Befriending

Befriending involves volunteers being trained and supported to provide flexible and quality support to individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Conditions. 

After training 'Befrienders' are matched with an individual affected by an Autism Spectrum Condition; this may be the person themselves, a sibling, or another family member. Between them, the people involved decide how often the sessions will take place and what kind of things they will do together. Befrienders can do a huge range of things; you may wish to share an existing hobby or interest with someone or offer your time to do something new. They may take a younger child to the park, play area or museum. Or they could go along with the family to the beach to provide an extra pair of hands. Befrienders may take an older child or adult to the cinema, or for something to eat, the list really is endless! And the value for the Befriender, the individual and the family is PRICELESS! 

Befrienders work with the family, the autistic individual and our Befriender Coordinator, together. We discuss any goals that would like to be achieved by all.

Befriending is flexible, the visits are arranged according to how much time the volunteer can give up and how much time the individual or family would like to receive.