Befriending

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Who can have a befriender?

"Having a befriender has been brilliant. I get a chance to spend time with my other children, as well as a chance to get a precious few hours to myself."

Anyone who is affected by autism or Asperger syndrome can apply to have a befriender:

• adults and children with an autism spectrum disorder
• siblings
• mothers and fathers.

Although we cannot guarantee to find a befriender for everyone, if there is a scheme in your area we will do our best to match you with the right volunteer.

How does befriending work?

The National Autistic Society (NAS) recruits and trains volunteers to support people with autism or Asperger syndrome and their families. The volunteers are not experts, but they are friendly people who are willing to learn and who would like to do something to help.

If you have a befriender, the NAS will pay for the volunteer to travel to your home or wherever you decide to meet. Any other expenses are normally met by the family.

"It is such a relief to us that she has someone understanding who is more of her own age to talk to."

"His befriender is like a big brother to him, and they do fun things together that a teenager doesn't want to do with his mum."

What do befrienders do?

Befrienders spend a few hours a week with a person with autism or Asperger syndrome or their families. We match volunteers with people and their families who have something in common. A befriender might:

• be an extra pair of hands on a shopping trip
• take a child out to the park or for a walk
• go along with a teenager to a youth club or aerobics class
• meet up with an adult for lunch or to go and see a film
• spend time listening and talking to a member of the family
• offer the family a short break by spending time with a child in the home.

"I find I can relax and enjoy myself knowing that Amy is having fun with an understanding, responsible adult who is just for her."

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Also in this section:

 

Apply for an e-befriender today If you or a member of your family has autism or Asperger syndrome, an e-befriender can provide you with regular online support and social contact. Request a befriender application form Request a befriender online application form. Befriending schemes around the UK Details of current NAS befriending and partnership schemes.

Related resources

Relevant areas/articles elsewhere on this website

• Volunteering as a Befriender