Our next entrant is a community-focused sole trader who provides support for vulnerable adults in the Swale Area.
Buddies Services was established in 2017 by Philip Charles to deliver a day service, community involvement and non-domiciliary home care for adults with mental health needs, learning disabilities, the elderly, those with ASD and those with dementia. Philip discussed his journey to founding his business: “I started Buddies as my then employer decided that they no longer wanted to provide a day service and the clients we had were to be left with nothing. I personally felt that was unacceptable so I struck out on my own to provide what I feel is a vital service for the groups mentioned.”
Buddies Services prides itself on having a “client-led” ethos, which has led to a number of clients leaving competitors to work with Philip. The parent of one service user commented: “Phil, in all that he does, goes over and beyond his remit. He will collect clients from their home to take them to the centre and/or return them home. He takes clients to dentists/doctors appointments if no family is able to.”
Buddies Services is backed by glowing recommendations and letters of support from family members of service users, as well as mentors. One mentor spoke about what made Buddies Services stand out: “My client has made so much progress since attending Buddies. She has made lasting friendships, something that is not normally easy for her… Philip, who runs Buddies, is an amazing person, he arranges so many activities and has so much to offer service users. I can honestly say he is one of the most selfless people I have come across… I would like to see Buddies and Philip recognised for the amount of time, effort and hard work he puts into his business and the amount of pleasure it brings to its service users.”
Masters House
Trinity Road
Sheerness
ME12 2PG
07595 459 327
buddiesdayservice.wixsite.com/website