NEWSFLASH! Swansea volunteers recognised by The Queen with prestigious Award Local Aid ‘Buddies Project’ based in Swansea has been announced as one of 103 UK volunteering groups to win The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups. The prestigious National Honour recognises outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others. It sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged of the highest standard. Download our press release here

Local Aid Buddies Project This is a partnership project between registered charity Local Aid and Swansea the City & County of Swansea. Aims Promote fun, choice opportunities for young people with severe learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. Support the siblings, parents and carers of young people with severe learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. Encourage volunteer support from young people and adults from the community Provide quality training, for staff, volunteers and parents

Saturday Club
Young people are supported on a minimum one to one basis. Activities are highly focused on individuals needs encouraging social and life skills whilst enabling young people to have fun.

Outreach service
Young people who have severe learning difficulties / challenging behaviour are encouraged to participate with their peers.

Sibling group
They share their understanding of their brother/sister needs as well as making new friends and experiencing mutual support.

Young volunteer opportunities
Supporting young people aged 15-18. A mentoring scheme operates. Young volunteers are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the project, including planning and delivery of activities in order to develop their own personal experiences.

Funding
The Big Lottery, BBC Children in Need, Cymorth Fund, City County of Swansea Child & Family Services, local businesses including Lloyds TSB.

Service

• 269 hours of service providing over 2,152 hours of individual service to young people and support to 23 families.
• 2869 – Volunteer and young volunteer hours have been achieved.
• 100 young volunteers attending on average 50 hours. 3 have completed a staggering 300 hours
• 3 young volunteers have received the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Award
• 2869 Volunteer hours - Value @ £8.00 provides additionallity of £22,952.00 this year.

Buddies Project:
Amanda Lervy on Amanda.lervy@swansea.gov.uk

NEWS FLASH!
BBC Children in Need pledge support to the Buddies project for the 6 year running.
The successful grant awarded to Local Aid of £13,925 will be used to fund 6 support staff that will be organising activities and supervising young people with severe learning difficulties and challenging behaviour and also mentoring young volunteers who attend the project. Project Manager Amanda Lervy is delighted with the continued support for the project from BBC Children in Need and feels that the project is really gaining recognition as a much needed respite provision in Swansea.