Claire Peart – Parent Carer

My son has been a beneficiary of BUILD for about 16 years and during that time has enjoyed numerous activities, trips, and learning experiences that have been organised by BUILD. He still continues to participate regularly. These opportunities provide him with a social circle, friendships, life skills and the added confidence to try new things in a safe secure environment.

BUILD provides its beneficiaries with life experiences and supports in the day to day activities that we all take for granted, such as cinema trips, meals out, fitness and bowling to name but a few. These are simple things that we all do without hesitation but without the support of BUILD, its staff and volunteers many of the beneficiaries wouldn't be able or have the confidence to access. 

The staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide hundreds of opportunities every year whilst trying hard to only pass on minimal costs to the beneficiaries, thus enabling everyone regardless of means a chance to become involved. Also the entire programme is optional so everyone is able to pick and choose the opportunities that interest them and are never confined to a 'one size fits all' type scenario.

Seeing the benefits that my Son has enjoyed I have recently become a volunteer myself and have enjoyed sailing days, trips to the races and friendly competition during ten pin bowling evenings. The mutual respect that the beneficiaries have for each other regardless of needs is inspiring and the smiling faces say it all.

To think of life for the beneficiaries without BUILD is something I would never wish to face and even during the Covid-19 pandemic it was clear to see just how much it means to them all. Despite the lockdown, BUILD  continued to interact regularly via social media and telephone calls and constantly the staff are asked "when can we do the things we love again”. It is a part of their lives that they are able to choose and it is so clear to see how much it is missed. So thankfully this lockdown won’t be forever but without BUILD many beneficiaries would be locked out of all the things they love to enjoy on a permanent basis.

Dean George – Beneficiary

My name is Dean George and my aunt has asked me lots of questions and is helping me to write this. Before I found BUILD I spent most of my time in my bedroom. I went out with my mum and my nanny once a fortnight for a meal in the local pub. I didn’t have any friends as I went to a special school and lost touch with my classmates when I left school.

When I joined BUILD everything changed - I now go out to social events. I have lots of friends and my confidence has increased so much. BUILD helps me to get to places with bus buddies. It helps me with ‘classes’ to teach me different things and it helps me to keep fit and active. I love going to the BUILD allotment and growing things.

If BUILD wasn’t there any more I would now still have friends but I wouldn’t be able to meet many of them. I wouldn’t be able to go and meet my friends for meals out or to go to different places without a bus buddy to help me get there. BUILD has not only helped me but it helps my mum and my aunt, who are my carers, ensure that I am not isolated and can get to do things that other people take for granted. I would be very sad if I couldn’t use BUILD anymore.