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Adult Befriending Scheme

The Adult Friendship Scheme was established in response to the expressed needs of local adults with a disability whose opportunities to take part in leisure and social activities in the local community were severely limited and who consequently reported experiencing social isolation.

The scheme operates in both the Uttlesford and the Harlow areas with services being provided by a project coordinator (Sue Atack) and by a combination of community support workers and volunteers. A monthly social evening is held in each area at which a range of regular activities, including e.g. pool, air hockey and craft activities, are available. We also we frequently invite guests to introduce other activities to the group with recent examples including line dancing, karaoke and musical entertainment.

In addition to the monthly gatherings we also arrange group outings, which are selected by group members. A number of group outings to a designated activity are provided each month, allowing members with a disability to "get out and about" in their local community and also to try activities that are new to them. Recent outings have included pub meals, theatre trips, cinema trips and trips to the greyhound stadium.

Our community support workers enable individuals or small groups of adults with disabilities to participate to participate in a very wide range of activities and social opportunities that are chosen by the people who we support to access them.

During the summer we also organise some group day trips out to the seaside, theme parks or similar venues. These trips are very popular and seen as great fun.

Some of our volunteers offer a similar service to service to that provided by our community support workers via 1:1 befriending with an adult with a disability that enhances access to a range of social activities that would otherwise not be available. Our volunteers are friendly, approachable and interested in meeting people and sharing experiences. Volunteers are from all walks of life and are aged 18+. Volunteers undertake an assessment process which includes an enhanced CRB check and reference checks.

We have recently started a Drama Group who meet weekly in Dunmow. Click the Drama Group link to the left for more information.

A secondary bonus of our Adult Friendship scheme is that it can provide short breaks for carers and families.