Happy International Friendship Day!
Pudsey Bear
Chief Fundraiser
BBC Children in Need's Fun and Friendship Programme
For the last three years BBC Children in Need’s Fun and Friendship programme has worked closely with ten projects across the UK that help disabled young people to have fun and to develop and pursue more independent social lives.
"I didn't really have a social life so things got quite lonely a lot of the time." - Hayden
Well in excess of 650 young people have taken part in the programme, making the most of greater opportunities to develop new interests and skills, resulting in enormously increased self-confidence and the ability to enjoy more fulfilling social lives.
"Friendship does give you confidence to tackle tough situations." - Tamsin
The Programme has demonstrated how hard it can be for disabled young people to have the sort of social lives that most take for granted.
"Without friends you don't really feel like doing anything." - Jimmy
It has also demonstrated that fun and friendship is of huge importance to the lives of disabled young people and that it plays a significant part in enhancing their well-being and their transition into adulthood.
Click here to watch a film about BBC Children in Need’s Fun and Friendship programme.
