Hamelin are delivering a befriending project, Links, for adults with autism and people with learning disabilities. This project has been successfully running for two and a half years (previously known as Bfriends).

Can you share your time, talents and interests to help others find friendship, pursue hobbies, and learn new skills?

Hamelin will give you all the training and tools you need, and you can give as much or as little time as you wish.

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

The aim of the Links project is to provide a community-based befriending, mentoring and peer-led service for adults with autism and people with a learning disability.

The aims of the project are to reduce isolation and deliver personalised support to enable participants to engage with their local community in a meaningful way.

This is through developing a person’s strengths, skills, knowledge, assets and aspirations alongside them using person-centred planning tools so they can maximise both what the person can do for themselves, and what they can access from others to live a meaningful life.

Volunteers must be 18 years and older.

Volunteer commitment can be flexible, depending on availability of the volunteer and times required by participants on the project.

Volunteers will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, receive training, regular support and supervision, and celebratory social events. Expenses will also be reimbursed.

Volunteers WILL NOT BE responsible for any personal care needs: This includes complex manual handling, dressing, feeding or administrating any medication. All participants will have low to medium level needs and already have capacity to be out in the community independently, meaning they will not have the need for one-to-one care support.

Volunteers are required in all areas of Essex.

Skills

Open to people from all backgrounds.

Helpful if people do have experience supporting people who have learning disabilities and autism, however it is not essential as training and support will be provided.

For anyone who feels they have some time to share passions, skills or meaningful opportunities that could help someone’s confidence and well-being.