Never Watch Alone Initiative

The unique Never Watch Alone Initiative was set up after consultations between Level Playing Field and the Wigan Learning Disabilities Partnership Board (WLDPB). The WLDPB were asked by their own clients about going to matches as individuals rather than in large groups.

Following discussions between LPF and the Wigan LDPB a plan took shape which evolved into the Never Watch Alone Initiative.

Level Playing Field was delighted to be approached by Wigan LDPB who put forward the proposal of a project that enabled fans with a learning disability or difficulty in the local community to go to the football or rugby league not with a professional carer but with a buddy. The buddy would be a volunteer who shares their passion as well as the camaraderie and socialising before and after the game.

LPF saw the potential of this initiative, engaging the community through sport, breaking down barriers, focusing on inclusion and in essence bringing fans with the common interest and passion together at Wigan Athletic and the Wigan Warriors.

A recent study showed that of the 2% of the population who have a learning disability, 1 in 3 say they do not have any friends. The NWAI opens a direct avenue to informal learning. It helps teach participants how best to express their feelings and emotions and how to communicate, socialize and interact with others. It creates new experiences and challenges and allows participants the opportunity to learn invaluable life skills.

The aim of the Never Watch Alone Initiative is to increase the well-being of those people with a learning disability by providing a platform of informal learning that will develop new skills and relationships and offer long-term education and employment opportunities. It also seeks to enable people with learning disabilities to lead full, purposeful and integrated lives in their local communities and to develop a range of opportunities, activities and relationships. The initiative further aims to reduce social exclusion, integrate the local community and to break down barriers and the fear of the unknown.

Those supporters with a learning disability involved in the initiative are all service users of the Wigan Learning Disability Partnership Board. The “buddies” are all volunteers who have been targeted by local advertising and publicity. All buddies will have gone through a rigorous selection process to assess their suitability to working with vulnerable adults and will have been CRB checked.

Interested in becoming a Buddy?

Buddy up – as a friend not a carer – and live out your passion watching the Latics or the Warriors at the DW Stadium with someone who shares the excitement of the match as well as the camaraderie and socialising before and after the game!!! You don’t need experience, just a genuine passion for your sport.
If you are interested or would like to know more please contact Stephanie Hermann on 01942 513053 or email s.hermann@embracewiganandleigh.org.uk

Never Watch Alone Initiative in the Press

• The NWAI was television on Sky Sports Boots N All on 22nd June 2011. To watch the clip please click on: http://bcove.me/8oznwjig
• Rugby League In League Together Newsletter
• Press Release 1
• Press Release 2

Wigan Vs Saints Match - Photo!

Sam Tomkins with fan Daniel This photo was taken on Sunday as I and Daniel left our house, you can see our green door, to meet up with our buddies to watch the Wigan V Saints match.