We know that people with a learning disability already experience high levels of loneliness and social isolation and that this will only have been made worse by coronavirus and lockdown.
Befriending can help.
Befriending - Get in touch
We can help you to:
- see what befriending options are available in your area
- find out more about befriending volunteer opportunities.
We also want to hear about your befriending scheme if you already have one set up.
Email friendships@mencap.org.uk and tell us who you are (e.g. an individual, family member, carer, an organisation or professional), where you live and what you are interested in (e.g. support, being a befriending volunteer).
Hear from Brian from Mencap Liverpool and Sefton, whose befriender is John
Having the opportunity to meet up with a befriender has brought so many positive aspects to my life. This has been so important to me this year in particular.
I had been feeling isolated a lot since lockdown and scared to meet up with anyone at all. I met John in my local park and we went for a nice walk together.
The weather was beautiful and sunny, and it made me appreciate everything around me a lot more. It made me appreciate how lucky I was to have the opportunity and freedom to be outside.
Find out more about befriending
During Befriending Week (1 to 7 November 2020) Mencap colleagues, local groups and members of the Befriending Networks team shared experiences and answered questions on our online community.
Head to the online community to catch up on the discussion.
Other ways to get involved
Gig Buddies is a Mencap befriending project which is currently running in Bradford, Hull and East Riding.
Click below to find about more about Gig Buddies, or to see volunteering opportunities.
Hear from Gig Buddies
Gig Buddies is a Mencap befriending project which currently runs in Bradford, Hull and East Riding.
Hear from Gig Buddies, Rebecca and Savanna, talking about their experiences.
Hear from Nina, who is a befriender to Carmen
I have volunteered for Kingston Mencap Seekers Group for 6 years. During lockdown I wanted to continue to help out, and remind our members that they were not alone and that support was still there.
Becoming a befriender to Carmen was a great experience. We chatted regularly and managed to get her connected to others through Zoom.
Carmen has said that she found this helpful, that she has now got the hang of Zoom and that she has learnt a lot. She now feels closer to the other group members.
This experience has shown that something really wonderful and positive can come out of a very difficult time. I have gained so much from my time with Carmen. It is something I will never forget.