THE Buddy Up Project has been accepted onto the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme 2025.

The scheme recognises outstanding young people aged 11-25 across London and Essex. Groups on the scheme get to celebrate the achievements of young people and apply for a package of grants, worth up to £6,400 per year, to support their activities.

Organisations on the scheme nominate young people they would like to celebrate and acknowledge for an Achievement Award.

Each award winner then receives a certificate, pin badge and a book from Sir Jack Petchey. The winner also gets choose how to spend a £300 grant to benefit their school or organisation.

The Buddy Up project supports adults 18+ with autism, learning disabilities or both into community based activities by connecting them with buddies in the community. If you know someone or are someone living locally and/or attending a GP practice in West Essex who would like to hear more about this project, contact:

Buddy Up Project helps to reduce social isolation and increase confidence. 

Celebrating the achievements of young people
We are thrilled to announce that The Buddy Up Project has been accepted onto the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme 2025.

Cllr Kaz Rizvi, Portfolio Holder for Community Health and Wellbeing said: “This recognition demonstrates our commitment to supporting and celebrating the achievements of young people and individuals in our community. Through the scheme, we will be able to further our mission of reducing social isolation and increasing confidence among adults with autism and learning disabilities by connecting them with supportive buddies in the community.