Nsw Friendship Circle

Friendship Circle of Sydney is a local chapter of an international organisation that was built to empower young people to create communities where people with special needs are included as contributing members of society. We run a range of activities and experiences that bring together young people with and without disability to get to know each other and build connections. We plan the activities and experiences for all participants to have a great time, to work together and to get to know and appreciate each other. At the heart of Friendship Circle is the desire to make a difference rather than provide a service. Our core belief is that “everyone has a soul and deserves to be valued for who they are” and we are strongly committed to trying to achieve that goal. At Friendship Circle we don’t have carers, we engage young volunteers from the community to become involved with individuals living with a disability. By bringing these groups together we are creating a space to build long lasting friendships and thereby increase integration. Critical to Friendship Circle is the harnessing of our volunteer’s (aged 12 to 30) energy, personality and interests to bring real care, concern and friendships. While at the same time the volunteers experience personal growth, maturity and benefit from understanding and learning about disabilities in our community. The ongoing contact between these two groups has a significant impact in promoting tolerance and understanding and breaking down the barriers of ignorance, prejudice and social isolation. A network of peers is created who share a commitment to removing barriers to the participation of everyone in the community as equally valued and unique individuals.