Student buddies are real heroes

A voluntary group organised by University students has been shortlisted for a national award.

Best Buddies Edinburgh is one of three nominations for the Royal Bank of Scotland’s Real Young Heroes Award 2015.

The University group of 30 volunteers runs a weekly social club for adults with learning difficulties.

Best Buddies Edinburgh

Best Buddies Edinburgh has been running for six years. Students work hard to establish the group as a place for adults with learning difficulties to enhance their confidence and social skills.

The students hold games nights, arts and crafts workshops, theme nights and away days. Their aim is to help develop friendships in a supportive environment.

The group was nominated for the award by its partner organisation ENABLE Scotland - a charity for people with learning difficulties.

The nomination was made in recognition of the student volunteers’ commitment.

Finding Scotland’s heroes

The Royal Bank of Scotland Real Heroes Awards celebrate the work of unsung heroes in local communities across Scotland.

The award honours the hard work, dedication and ingenuity of groups and individuals over ten categories. A public vote will decide who wins each category - please note, voting is now closed.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 15 December and will be broadcast on Scottish Television.

We are delighted our hard work and dedication is being recognised by this award. Our aim is to promote and facilitate an inclusive community in which adults with and without learning disabilities can develop genuine, long term friendships. This year we are looking to extend our reach and we are liaising with a number of charitable organisations throughout Edinburgh with the hope of being able to offer our volunteering skills for their benefit.