Just like us, people with a learning disability want to pursue interests and share activity with a peer group. Whilst it might seem a simple thing to organise a trip to the cinema or go a regular swim or watch a game of football it can be quite challenging for people with a learning disability to manage the organisation, find safe meeting places and enjoy time together on a regular basis.
Offering a facilitator to a friendship group bridges this gap and seeks to help them to build the skills and confidence they need to sustain a supportive group around a shared interest or activity. Because they pool their budget to buy the support they need it is affordable and needing some support should not present a financial obstacle to them pursuing their plans. The cost to each individual will vary depending on the size of the group and the number of hours of support required. Groups can be from 2 upwards but larger groups may require more than one facilitator.
Interventions can be around any type of social activity or interest and can be short or long term and it is recommended that agreements are reviewed and adjusted quarterly.
