BuDDies – BuDS

Articles in BuDDies

A young woman in a powered wheelchair sits in front of a grey wall with plants on top. She is smiling towards the camera, and is holding a mobile phone in her left hand

About BuDS BuDDies

April 24, 2023September 20, 2025 Ben Clark

Are you feeling lonely or stressed at home? Need a friendly chat with someone who understands? The BuDS BuDDies are here to help!

A nurse wearing blue scrubs looking intently into a large black computer monitor. In the background are medical posters and a man in a wheelchair being pushed by a female nurse.

BuDDies Information For Professionals

September 22, 2025September 22, 2025 Ben Clark

This page gives information about the BuDDies befriending scheme for professionals such as mental health service providers, placement coordinators, clinicians and healthcare professionals, etc. If you are looking for information about volunteering to be a BuDDy, or you would like a BuDDy for yourself, use the buttons below to go the the right page.

I’d like a BuDDy

Volunteer to be a BuDDy

A lady with pink hair and wearing a white tshirt sits in a powered wheelchair, talking on the phone. The phone is held to her left ear, and she is smiling. There is a window and sofa in the background.

Becoming A BuDS BuDDy

September 17, 2025September 22, 2025 Ben Clark

What is BuDDies?

BuDDies is a befriending scheme for disabled people in England who are feeling lonely or stressed at home. BuDDies is available to all disabled people in England who want friendly conversation with someone who understands. It is a free service, and can continue for as long as it is wanted.

Who are the BuDDies?

BuDDies are the BuDS volunteers who befriend and support isolated and lonely disabled people. This is a really rewarding role which can be done flexibly, and in your own time. No particular skills or experience are needed, just a friendly, caring, and non-judgemental approach and a willingness to be a “buddy” to someone who needs a friend.

Mental Health Awareness Week: Janneke’s Testimony

May 12, 2022July 5, 2022 Ben Clark

Our HR & Project Manager, Janneke has written a powerful piece for us this Mental Health Awareness Week, which we have published below with her permission.

Managing Mental Health at Christmas

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021 Ben Clark

Christmas can be a time for eating, drinking, spending time with family and friends, and generally getting into the holiday spirit. The Christmas season, however, can be especially tough for those who have a mental health issue.

BuDS and a Year of Success

February 16, 2021December 5, 2021 Ben Clark

Consistently providing accurate and reliable information

Here at BuDS we thought it was about time we paid homage to our wonderful trustees, volunteers and staff members who have dedicated their time to keep our projects running and our community supported through such uncertain times. Over the past year many organisations and charities have struggled to adapt to the developing situation. Of course, there are many success stories, and we think we are one, so please indulge us while we blow our own trumpet!