Buddies in every sense of the word

Since May 2021 Trevor Dyke and Sean Crawford meet up for a couple of hours every week to venture out and have a bit of fun.

The duo are part of the Family Works Buddy programme and both of them are firm believers in the benefits gained by being Buddies.

Trevor has been involved in youth programmes most of his life so becoming an adult Buddy is a natural fit, something he clearly loves doing.

“Giving up a couple of hours a week to help others is not that hard, and the rewards are huge,” says Trevor.

“You see a little Buddy grow and expand their abilities over a very short period of time. Sean always smiles when asked to help out or take part in an activity. He’s so polite and appreciative.”

There doesn’t appear to be anything that they won’t try! The list of activities is incredible including fishing, skating, repairing (and riding) push bikes, kayaking, playing cards and puzzles on cold winter nights, kindling and scrap metal recycling (for pocket money), swimming, small bore rifle shooting, making pizzas, chocolate Easter eggs and cooking on an outdoor Hobo stove… the list is extensive! They’ve even watched rally cars on hill climbs and have been to Highlands Motorsport Park!

For Sean, the benefits are immense. Because Sean has hydrocephalus, a disorder where there is a build-up of fluid in the brain, he’s unable to take part in contact sports but he’s making up for it in other ways.

“Getting out and about makes me more confident around other people,” says Sean. “I love learning new skills and I have learnt there are plenty of other sports and activities I can take part in.”

Buddy Coordinator, Pippa Wellstead, says the commitment that Trevor makes is incredible and he is a perfect role model for the Buddy programme.

“I can always depend on Trevor, he is always happy to help, he’s a fabulous asset to the Buddy programme and I really appreciate his support,” says Pippa.

More information about the Buddy programme call us on freephone 0508 396 678.

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