One to One (North West Surrey)

Gallery Image: in the water during Nippy Dipper 2017 (I am on the left)

One of our volunteers Ila Glennie (on the left in the picture) bravely went for a dip at Aberdeen beach on Boxing Day with lots of other crazy and cold fundraisers. Please support fundraising efforts for One to One (North West Surrey) by donating on https://www.wonderful.org/charity/onetoonenwsurrey

One to One (North West Surrey) is an independent charity which organises social activities for adults with learning disabilities in Spelthorne, Runnymede and Elmbridge boroughs in Surrey. Members range from ages 18 upwards.

Mission Statement

We aim to:

Increase the respect with which adults with learning disabilities are held by others and themselves.
Offer opportunities for those adults who feel ‘isolated’ to participate in the life of their local communities.
Increase the awareness and understanding about people with learning disabilities living in the community.

Brief History

Up until approximately twenty years ago, these adults were living away from the community in institutions.‘One to One’ came about when a group of women in America organised garden parties and invited those living in institutions to come along with a ‘friend.’ The idea was brought to England and ‘One to One’ was formed throughout England, with the Surrey branch being set up at Botleys Park, in the grounds of St. Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey. Many of the residents had a ‘befriender’ who would visit them regularly at the hospital. The befriender would also take them out on visits to local shops and amenities.

After the closure of Botleys Park in 1997, One to One (NW) Surrey became an independent organisation with the help of tireless fundraising by TASIS (The American School in Surrey) and Local Government grants.

Today

One to One members live in small communities, Care Homes, with family or independently. They are supported by keyworkers and carers and our activity evenings which run each week in Chertsey, Staines and Walton-on-Thames allow them to enjoy an evening’s entertainment and give their carers and families a break. Click here for a list of our current activities.

Each evening is overseen by an Activity Leader who is assisted by a group of dedicated volunteers. They help set up activities, refreshments and clear away as well as socialise with the members each evening. The activities can include games, crafts, music, disco, bingo or karaoke and occasionally visitors will come along and lead a themed evening.

We also hold a weekend events five or six times a year which includes a special day trip in the Summer. In 2013 we held a boat trip from Runnymede to Maidenhead and in 2014 a group went on the Bluebell Railway. The New Year and Easter Parties are very popular with the members and are always well attended.

We have no statutory funding and rely on donations, Mayoral support and donations and grants from charitable and other funds. In the past the members have taken part in a sponsored walk around Virginia Water and raised much needed funds. Donations can be made through MyDonate: https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/1to1

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