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The Befriending Scheme - Sudbury

Framework Provider

Framework provider of day, evening and weekend activities for people with learning disabilities and autism

 

The Befriending Scheme provides friendship and learning opportunities for adults (16yrs+) from vulnerable groups, including those with mental health needs, as well as our existing members with learning disabilities. We also offer various volunteering opportunities with extra support for those who need it

Sudbury Hub group:

Our regular drop-in centres, known as hubs, provide a place for our members to learn new skills, have fun and make friends. Running at six locations across Suffolk, the range of activities on offer is increasing all the time. Our members try their hands at drama, music and crafts, and enjoy games, cooking and relaxing over tea and biscuits.

Each Hub is run by a TBS Area Coordinator and supported by a team of dedicated volunteers. 

Sudbury Hub runs on Thursdays at The Hive Community Hub in Sudbury from 10am - 3pm.

Out and About

We now offer weekly evening groups in the Sudbury area, where our members can take part in activities in the community, such as going to the cinema, bowling and out for dinner.

Please contact us for a monthly schedule.

 

One to One Befriending Service:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is a One-To-One Befriender?

A Befriender is a volunteer who would like to spend some time with a member on a regular basis and provide them with friendship, company and support.  Volunteers and members may meet once a week, once a fortnight or once a month for a couple of hours. Meetings will be arranged with the support of your Link Co-ordinator.

Befrienders are there to listen and to talk with. If able to, members can get out and about with their befriender to carry out social activities including meeting for a coffee, going to the cinema amongst other things. Befrienders may also be able to visit the member at home in circumstances where the member is unable to leave their home. Members and volunteer befrienders are matched on location, hobbies and interests and personality.

All volunteers will have completed a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and will have completed an induction to the service.

What About Care and Support Needs?

The purpose of the one-to-one service is for volunteer Befrienders to provide individuals with company and companionship. Volunteers are not trained in personal care and are not responsible for addressing any personal care and support needs.

Does This Service Apply To Individuals With Dementia?

The Befriending Scheme will consider applications where the individual has Dementia, providing the individual meets the criteria outlined above. For safety reasons, The Befriending Scheme cannot accept referrals where the individual has surpassed a stage that we feel they would no longer benefit from the service.

How Can I Apply For This Service?

Please note that The Befriending Scheme are only currently accepting referral applications in the Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds areas.

If you would like to apply to have a befriender, or would like to refer an individual to the service, you will need to complete a referral application form.

Please download the application form from our website. Alternatively, you may call the office on 01787 371 333 to request an application form be sent to you.

You will need to return a hard copy of the application form by post to:

The Befriending Scheme

1 The Croft

Sudbury, Suffok,

CO10 1HN

Once the application form has been received, the relevant Link Co-ordinator will be in touch to discuss eligibility. Individuals who are eligible will then go on to our waiting list for a Befriender. For individuals who are not eligible, we will do our best to signpost them to other organisations or support groups that may be better suited to their needs.

Who Can I Contact About This Service?

If you would like to know more about this service, please give us a call at the office on 01787 371 333 or email us at info@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk 

 

Who to contact

Name
Melody Gould
Position
Community Engagement Officer - Sudbury
Telephone
07960424217
Email
Info@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk
Website
The Befriending Scheme
Social Media
 Find us on Facebook
Address
The Befriending Scheme
1 The Croft
Sudbury
Suffolk
Postcode
CO10 1HN

Additional contact

Name
Admin Team
Position
Administrator
Telephone
01787 371333
Email
info@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk

Where to go

Name
The Befriending Scheme - Sudbury Hub
Address
Hive Community Hub
School Street
Sudbury
Suffolk
Postcode
CO10 2HA
View CO10 2HA on a map
Area served
Sudbury, Babergh
Venue Email
info@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk
Venue Website
http://www.thebefriendingscheme.org.uk/
Parking available
No
Parking details
Stour Street Car park is the closest car park to the Hive Community Hub.

Days & Times

Hub: Every Thursday between 10:00am and 3:00pm. Out & About: Please contact us for a schedule
Time of day
Morning
Afternoon

Other details

Cost Details
Casual Prices to attend HUB: £40 per Hub session / £20 per Out & About session. Membership packages are available at various prices to attend HUB and OUT & ABOUT groups, Please visit our website for more information. One to One Befriending is a free service for those who are eligible under the referral criteria.
Referral required?
Yes
Referral and availability notes

Who Is Eligible For This Service?

To be eligible for this service, individuals must have a learning disability.

Individuals being referred to the service MUST also:

Live in Suffolk

Be over 16 years old

Not be accessing another befriending service

Have limited social contact or regularly experience feelings of loneliness and/or isolation

* Please note that The Befriending Scheme will consider applications where the individual has a long-term mental health issue that is well managed. Eligibility is considered on a case-by-case basis. The Befriending Scheme have the right to review the eligibility of individuals at any time where it is felt necessary to do so.

 

Age Groups
16-25 years, Adults, Young people
Accessibility
Wheelchair Access

Accreditation details

We are delighted to announce that The Befriending Scheme has been awarded a Bronze Standard Certificate from the Community Learning & Skills Development provider Realise Futures.


Notes

This is a scheme for people with learning disabilities, costs of activities vary and there are different membership options. More information can be found on our website.

Support for people with disabilities

Experience of including people with special educational needs and disabilities

The Befriending Scheme provides friendship and learning opportunities for people (16yrs+) from vulnerable groups, including those with mental health needs and older people, as well as those with learning disabilities. We also offer various volunteering opportunities with extra support for those who need it.

If you are unsure whether this service is suitable for your needs, please feel free to call our office for an informal chat on 01787 371333.

Telephone
01787 371333.
Email
info@thebefriendingscheme.org.uk
Conditions Supported
Autistic spectrum conditions
Communication difficulties

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