Local charity North East Autism Society are looking for more volunteers to support their Befriending Programme launched earlier this year after the charity won the public vote in the Local Papers Lottery Fund Campaign.
“Demand for the service has exceeded all our expectations”, explained Marjorie Clifford, who manages the service on behalf of the society. “As a result we need more befrienders who can work on a one-to-one basis to help young people with autism who may have difficulties making friends or feel isolated because of their condition.”
Volunteers gain valuable experience and knowledge into the work of the charity and learn how to work with young people with autism before they start befriending. TJ Hardman aged 22, is a befriending volunteer and has supported Jamie 22 from Sunderland said; “The Befriending service has taught me how to manage my time, plan activities and personal organisation skills.
I have even learnt skills about how to modify my own body language that will help me with interviews and relationship building in the future. These skills are certainly transferable to numerous fields of work but this is insignificant compared to the meaningful difference the service makes to the young people with autism. I know it’s a real challenge for Jamie just to go out, he finds it hard to socialise or take part in activities we all take for granted. The project opens these doors for Jamie in so many ways and this is reflected in the smile he regularly carries on our trips.”
Marj explained: “The Be-friending Project is making a huge difference to the lives of the young people it touches, and a great way for people with autism to socialise and gain more confidence with the help of our befrienders. The project not only helps people with autism it also makes a real impact on the families of young people who tell us how much their son or daughter looks forward to the befrienders visit and the difference the programme has made to family harmony!”
If you have a few hours to spare on a regular basis and could donate to help with the volunteer Befriending Project they would like to hear from you. In return they provide full training and the opportunity to gain experience and learn new skills.
For an informal chat call 0191 410 9974 and ask to speak to someone from the befriending team or email befriending@ne-as.org.uk. For more information visit the charities website at: www.ne-as.org.uk/befriending.
