AABS - ADVOCACY AND ACTIVITY BUDDY SCHEME
English Federation of Disability Sport has received funding to support the development of an Advocacy and Activity Buddy Scheme (AABS)
The project aims to increase participation of disabled people within sport or physical activity. This will be achieved through AABS supporting sport and physical activity providers to implement a formal, in-house volunteer scheme.
AABS has developed a number of resources and training tools, which are available free of charge, to enable such facilities to recruit and train volunteers. The volunteers will not be expected to deliver training or advise on specific exercise plans; their role is to motivate and encourage the participation of those members needing extra support. The AABS project works in two ways:
Supporting sports clubs and activity groups to become more inclusive by providing resources to help them set up a successful volunteer programme. These resources are now available online and can be downloaded by clicking on the link on the left hand side of this page AABS Toolkit Resources.
Admin templates including volunteer application forms, reference forms, disabled participant application forms, volunteer expense forms, etc can all be downloaded and have been created to reduce the amount of time clubs can spend setting up volunteer schemes. The resource entitled “How to be an Activity Buddy Coordinator” will provide facilities with helpful tips and signposts on setting up a sustainable volunteer scheme.
Three AABS volunteer training resources. The training will enable volunteer ‘Activity Buddies’ to develop the skills required for volunteering and have confidence within their role.
The training includes disability awareness training and is available as a paper based resource, a power point workshop and through an online training website. Clubs can ensure that their volunteers are receiving appropriate and useful information relating to supporting disabled people’s participation in active recreation.
It would be useful for the project to receive some brief information relating to your own club or activity group, or any feedback you wish to pass on. Please click on this link to complete the AABS monitoring form. This information will help us to understand your requirements and allow us to support your project to the best of our ability.
We recognise that volunteers play an essential role in engaging disabled people in sport and physical activity. An Activity Buddy will help some participants overcome barriers to participation and create a more inclusive environment for all. 
For further information contact Dave Cartlidge on 0161 247 5633 or email: dcartlidge@efds.co.uk
