building for the future plus (18 to 25)
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BftF Plus – building confidence, friendship and fun
BftF 'Plus' is a vibrant community for young people with disabilities aged 18–25. Through regular meet-ups, social activities and volunteering, 'Plus' helps members gain independence, confidence and friendships that last well beyond the sessions.
Recently our young people explored the V&A’s Disability and Design exhibition, enjoyed Wellness Walks at Dinton Pastures and tested their skills at our growing Sports Fun Club - perfecting their boccia and new-age kurling while laughing together. Several members also represented the charity at Parallel Windsor, the UK’s inclusive sports festival, proudly completing the 1k race and helping on our stall.
Partnerships are flourishing too. The University of Reading Students’ Union has invited our group to take part in on-campus quiz nights, karaoke and international food events — widening social circles and building new experiences.
And with Our House soon moving to a larger building, we’re creating a dedicated 'Plus' area for the first time. Members are helping design what it should include — from a DJ deck to a chill-out space.
'Plus' is for young people with disabilities who want MORE out of life and we're here to make that happen.
To learn more or get involved see our Facebook page and join our chatgroup there: facebook.com/BFTFPlus.
For more information contact:
Join us for educational and skills-building workshops, sports and socialising!
Social Nights
Monday 11th May:
Bowling - Wokingham Super Bowl 6.30pm
Thursdays 21st & 28th May:
QUIZ NIGHT 7.30pm
Reading Uni Students' Union
Sports Fun Club
Sunday 10th May:
The Hub, Buckler's Park, Crowthorne, 2-4pm
~Boccia~
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: melissa:bftf.org.uk
Outing
Friday 15th May:
Boating - Accessible Boating Thames,
Bisham Abbey from 1pm
BOOKING ESSENTIAL: jasper:bftf.org.uk
Lunch@Plus
Fridays 8th, 22nd, 29th May:
Our House, Toutley Road,
Wokingham RG41 1QN
12.30-2.30pm
Email jasper@bftf.org.uk for more information.
things we enjoy doing together
Quiz night at Reading Students' Union.
We always have a great night - the questions are varied and keep us guessing. The drinks are reasonably priced and the food is really good!
We enjoy being consulted on things - especially when they concern us!
Recently we looked at plans for the new centre and discussed what facilities we would like to see there.
There's still time to have your say here:
Day Trips
We went to the Design and Disability exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
We visited this fascinating new exhibition. Read the review here.
Sailing
We went to ABT (accessibleboatingthames.org). We went out in the sailing dinghy and on the wheelyboat.
A great afternoon, and many thanks to ABT!
Our second Disability Sports Fun Club on 4 May was a great success. Ted (www.facebook.com/bocciablogger) gave us a demonstration of his ramping technique and Ted and Tia took turns refereeing for us while we played several competitive ends.
We visited MERL in Reading.
Isabel Hughes was kind enough to show us round the exhibits and talk about their background. We tried some of the interactive exhibits and enjoyed the garden.
Isabel told us about some volunteering opportunities and she has given us the details of how to get in touch about this.
BFTF Plus at Wokingham Festival
We've had a great time at Wokingham Festival two years in a row and we'll be going again this year!
BFTF Plus Pub crawl
We visited some of Wokingham’s pubs and bars. A good time was had by all!
To join us on one of our social events, keep an eye on the Facebook page or contact jasper@bftf.org.uk. We're always open to new ideas, so if you know a cool venue or there's something you've been dying to try, just let us know!
May 2024 Local Elections
Local councillors Andy Croy (Lab), Phil Cunnington (Con) and David Hare (LibDem) joined us in April to talk about what their parties are offering ahead of the local council elections. We had a good, constructive discussion and everybody learned a lot about how the council works and about young people’s needs and interests.
We will be attending the council’s Social Care Future consultation meetings (www.wokingham.gov.uk/care-and-support-adults/bringing-about-brighter-social-care-future-wokingham-borough).
First Arts and Crafts Exhibition a success
On 12 September 2023 some of the members of our Building for the Future Plus exhibited their artwork at our offices in Twyford.
Read the full report here: bftf.org.uk/post/first-arts-and-crafts-exhibition-a-success.
join us! You will find something you love doing, explore new work options, hobbies or activities - plus you'll make lots of friends!
Contact jasper@bftf.org.uk for more details
