About buddies

Buddies works to benefit three main groups, children and their families, volunteers and leisure providers.

• Children and their families – By supporting children that may otherwise miss out on their chosen activity, buddies aims to provide the experiences and enjoyment of being involved and active. We believe that being included in activities within the local community is important for a child’s growth and happiness, and that by having a dedicated volunteer that child can build a relationship of trust which will allow them to be more confident and ambitious. We hope that our training and checking processes will reassure parents that their child is safe and being cared for.

• Volunteers – By offering some of your time to buddies we hope that you will experience the enjoyment of a fun activity and rewarding relationship, and satisfaction of knowing that you have helped a child to have experiences that they may have otherwise missed out on. We aim to provide you with training and support, advice and guidance where needed, and good experience for a CV or job application. You can also work towards your Millennium Volunteers Award, a nationally recognised award, if you wish. Volunteering is a good way to introduce yourself to a field of work, or to enjoy a really rewarding activity, for more information please contact us.

• Leisure providers – Buddies is committed to working with leisure providers in West Berkshire to improve their inclusive practices. Whatever activities or sessions that you are providing, from football to French classes or cubs to cookery, we are there to support you with your procedures and practices.