Why friends are important

People with learning disabilities (previously called mental handicap) often lack the opportunities most of us have to make new friends.  If their work and leisure lives are restricted then it follows that their chances to meet people are restricted.  For example, not being able to express yourself easily, or simply how 'normal' people respond to you can limit chances for making new friends.  Creating opportunities for friendship, fun, sharing, challenges and personal development is why we exist.

We are constantly looking for new befrienders.

Is this you?

Could you be a volunteer befriender?

Would you share some of your time with someone with a learning disability?

If you have an hour or so a week, or a few hours a month to spare, perhaps you could join someone for a cup of coffee, go to the cinema, do some shopping, go for a walk or just have a chat.  In short spend time enjoying activities that you might already do with your friends.

Which service would suit you?

Currently, we offer three distinct services for adults with learning disbilities:

• One to one links - a person with learning disabilities is carefully matched with a volunteer befriender.  The linked pair pursue social and leisure interests together, depending upon what they both like to do.
• APT (A Place to Talk) Centres - we now have seven Centres held one morning a week where people can come for a chat and to meet people.  There are various activities on offer including art workshops, bingo, computer training and many different games.  We also run an APT Centre on a Saturday morning in Ipswich.  Check the APT Centre page to find out more about this.
• Befrienders Club - this is an additional service provided in Bury St. Edmunds one evening a week.  The Club provides a meeting place for people registered with SBS who would like a befriender.  Linked pairs can also attend.

The benefits for volunteers.....

• Full support to work in whichever service they choose
• Making new friends
• Learning new skills - we offer a range of training courses
• Feeling valued
• Help with out of pocket expenses
• Choosing how much time to commit
• Being part of a friendly team

Interested?