The project encourages social inclusion by recruiting and training volunteer peer mentors. The mentors are all young people aged between 13 and 25 who want to support young people with additional needs by befriending them and supporting them to take part in fun activities.
Activities
Activities include monthly social clubs in the north and south of Sefton for participants to meet young people of a similar age and develop their confidence.
Additional activities and trips take place during evenings, some weekends and school holidays.
Activities are chosen by the young people themselves based on their own interests.
Examples include:
| Workshops | Community & Charity | Outdoors | Leisure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Media Workshops | Charity Fund Raisers (bake sales & car washes) |
Trampolining | Cinema |
| Drama Workshops | Community Events | Rock Climbing | Bowling and Laser Tag |
| Singing Workshops | Residentials | Gardening | Shopping |
| Arts and Craft Workshops | Fun Fair | Meals | |
| Cookery | Swimming | ||
| Roller Disco | |||
| Arcades |
Volunteering with us
The project works with Sefton schools, VCF sector youth providers and local colleges and universities to identify mentors who are trustworthy, capable and dedicated to volunteering within their community. We also support young people working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Volunteering as a mentor is also a progression route for young people who have received support from the project in the past and want to use the skills and experiences they have gained to support younger members of the group. These mentors are fantastic role models and a huge inspiration to others.
All mentors are recruited using safe recruitment practises and require a DBS check if they are 16 or above. They also access appropriate training to develop their skills and experiences.
For information about being a mentor, please
Download the Buddy Up Mentor Information Leaflet
If you have a learning disability and you are interested in taking part
Download the Buddy Up Mentor Information Leaflet
Contact Us
Erin Bennett
Buddy Up Coordinator
Email: buddyup@seftoncvs.org.uk