Gary Mcdonald

Gary has been involved with the Broomhouse centre for 3.5 years befriending children with slight disabilities and social integration issues. This involves participating in activities such as going bowling or to the cinema and having lunch in informal settings to get to know the children better to find out how best to help them.

Twice a week, he visits the centre to meet children in order to talk about their week, school friends etc in an attempt to build their confidence and improve social skills. A befriending partnership lasts for 12 months, over the years Gary has helped with 5 children. The parents involved have always been complimentary and commented on the improvement in their children.

This makes an impact on the children's ability to integrate and grow within their communities. Along with helping at the centre, Gary also regularly gives up his weekends to meet with previously befriended children to participate in trips that are funded directly by Gary as he is keen to see how they are doing.