Volunteer Buddies

Volunteer buddies assist on all our courses whether they are a day, weekend or week long residential course.

All our courses are designed with spinally injured and able-bodied participants in mind. No previous experience required!

To be a good buddy you need;

• An interest in the outdoors or a sport
• Be fit and active
• Have a get up and go attitude
• Willing to have fun!

“I can’t remember when I last laughed so much. The course did more for my stress problems than any amount of counseling”. Chris 31, buddy

As a buddy your main requirement is to help with logistics, problem solve and provide confidence and motivation to others in the group who are not so able. You are not expected to get involved with personal care. Those who do require assistance will have a dedicated volunteer carer who has the necessary skills to assist them.

"This sounds really cheesy, but it was the best time I ever had. Thank you so much for allowing me to help." Claire, 24, buddy

The courses vary in their cost depending on the type of course and its length. Back-Up is a national charity, reliant entirely on individual fundraising and voluntary contributions. We are proud of our policy never to turn a spinally injured person away from a course on the basis of their ability to pay, but to continue to do this we must ask buddies to contribute to their own costs.

However we have many ways in which we can help you fundraise for your place, or ask for your company to contribute time or money to your place!

If you would like more information on being a buddy contact Maria on 020 8875 1805 or or fill in an online form here.