Under the Care Act 2014, promoting a person’s wellbeing may include opportunities to take part in recreation and support with personal relationships, depending on the person’s needs, goals and wishes. The following case studies demonstrate how people with a learning disability and autistic people can be supported to develop friendships.
Introduction
Under the Care Act, 2014, promoting a person’s wellbeing may include opportunities to take part in recreation and support with personal relationships, depending on the person’s needs, goals and wishes.
The Care and Support Statutory guidance highlights how befriending schemes can reduce isolation and recognises the importance of friendships to support independence and good quality lives.
The following case studies demonstrate how people with a learning disability and autistic people can be supported to develop friendships.
Safe Soulmates
Safe Soulmates is a user led friendship organisation for neurodivergent and disabled adults, including people with a learning disability and autistic people.
“The friendship is the best bit of Safe Soulmates and we’ll see where that leads. It’s so nice and the Safe Soulmates team are really good at introductions and connections.” - a Safe Soulmate member
“It’s like a caring and supportive environment to meet new people and build up confidence. It has made a massive impact on my life, attending Safe Soulmates.” - a Safe Soulmate member
Further information can be found in the ‘What Good Looks like’ case study.
Gig buddies
Gig Buddies matches up people with a learning disability to a volunteer so they can attend gigs or cultural events together.
“I never had many good friends with disabilities before and gig buddies has done me wonders for that! I love gig buddies it is so awesome!” - a Gig Buddies participant
“This has been one of the best friendships in my life ever.” - a Gig Buddies volunteer
Further information can be found in the ‘What Good Looks like’ case study.
LivesthroughFriends
LivesthroughFriends enables people to move from hospitals and institutions by focusing on what’s important to the person, such as relationships, citizenship and linking the person with community networks.
Martha, who was supported by LivesthroughFriends, a year after leaving hospital:
“She’s living the best life … She’s starting to look into college courses. Thinking about a relationship. Having educational support around positive relationships, whether that’s with a partner or with family.” - Daniella, consultant nurse
“LivesthroughFriends focuses on what really matter to the person – relationships, contribution, and participative inclusion (the ‘Core Economy’) because we’ve learned that this is what makes deinstitutionalisation and sustained inclusion achievable.” - Bob Rhodes, Founder/President, Livesthroughfriends
Further information can be found in the ‘What Good Looks like’ case study.
Learn more about Martha's story by watching this video.
Read other anonymised examples of their work and how it makes a difference.