What befrienders do

Befrienders are caring and compassionate people who want to help adults with learning disabilities realise their full potential and to assist them to participate in activities in the community in the same way that everyone else does. They visit each client weekly, typically for a three hour session and work with them on a one to one basis, doing activities of the client’s choice. Befrienders are required to provide a car to transport clients if needed, so they must have a clean licence, be insured for business use and have a valid MOT where applicable. We will consider non drivers if we are refrerred a client that has no need of a car, perhaps preferring a walk or using public transport.

Most of our befrienders work elsewhere and undertake befriending in their spare time – some do just one three hour session per week, others befriend over 30 hours a week. The activities they undertake with their clients are very varied: many clients like to take part in some form of exercise – e.g. walking, swimming, attending a gym or horse riding. Sometimes clients like to visit relatives or local visitor attractions, go shopping, or out for a meal. Otherwise they might do some allotment gardening, or play darts or pool. Nothing is prohibited providing the activity is safe and legal.