Rachel recently started volunteering with Bradford Buddies, a project that connects people with a learning disability with a like-minded Buddy to enjoy activities together. We caught up with Rachel to find out more about her experiences and the positive difference she feels she's making,

What do you like about volunteering?

[Rachel] - I love volunteering for Bradford Buddies because it's great to feel I can help someone enjoy something they might not always have the opportunity to go and do themselves. I get to have a great time and make a great friend through volunteering - what's not to love?! 
 
What made you want to become a volunteer?

I heard Andy, the Bradford Buddies Coordinator, explaining what Bradford Buddies was all about and knew it was something that I wanted to be part of!  I think it's really important to enable people with a learning disability to go out and have fun enjoying all different kinds of events, and even better to be able to do it with them.   
  
What’s the best thing about being a part of the project?

It's been great to get to know my buddy, we've discovered lots that we have in common.  There's so much we've managed to get up to in the past year, like watching shows, going to gigs, shopping, art gallery visits, going for walks, going out for meals and of course dancing! We've developed a strong bond over the last year and I feel so lucky to have such a wonderfully amazing person to call my friend.       
  
Would you recommend volunteering to other people?

Sometimes it's easy to get carried away with life and take things for granted.  Bradford Buddies helps you help another person in a way that is really good fun for you both.  I'd definitely recommend getting involved - it will make a positive difference to your own life and someone else's. 

 

Been inspired by Rachel? Learn more about becoming a volunteer with Mencap.