The Building Bridges Project brings together young people with additional needs from across Monmouthshire. It is searching for a new source of money as its current funding is set to finish in December this year.
The Project was set up in November 2013 to run for four years with a grant from the Big Lottery; its aim to get young people with additional needs involved in the community. So far the project has been a resounding success, but if it is to continue it will need help.
Over the last four years the project has been able to make ‘life changing’ differences for young people aged 14-25 with additional needs in the county.
There are no specialist schools in Monmouthshire, so these young people make friends in other schools, and when they come home they don’t have anyone.
The project helps people engage in the community and make friendships, reduce social isolation, build social skills, confidence and build skills they rely on in the future.
The focus is on sustainability and supporting our young people to make connections with individuals and groups that outlive the life of our project. This is done through one-to-one and group work encompassing social, leisure and work related activities.
We have done canoeing, camping, drama and more; we give people a taste of things they haven’t done before.
Beneficiaries have not only formed friendships but relationships, people have learnt to drive, done their bronze Duke of Edinburgh and are volunteering in the community.
Without the Building Bridges Project a lot of these opportunities will be lost and it is not just the young people who are involved in the project who will suffer, but everyone connected.
Anyone that could offer anything help would be appreciated. To get in contact or find out more, visit the group’s website: www.buildingbridgesproject.org.uk
Or to donate to help prolong the life of this project visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thebuildingbridgesproject
Gemma Martin