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Befriending Service Nominated for ‘The Great Autism Practice Award’

18th July 2017

We are delighted to announce our Befriending Services here at Autism West Midlands were nominated for ‘The great autism practice award’ at the National Learning Disability and Autism Awards, held on 14th July 2017 at the ICC Birmingham.

The project in Walsall offers supportive, reliable volunteer befrienders to people with autism who may otherwise by socially isolated.  Our befrienders are volunteers who give their time to support adults with autism. They spend time doing activities both parties enjoy. This could be as simple as drinking coffee together in the coffee shop, shopping, attending the cinema or swimming, or taking part in cultural activities. Befriending can open up a range of activities and lead to increased self-esteem, self-confidence and independence.

The nomination came from Ian Staples, Lead Commissioner for complex needs and mental health within adult social care in Walsall Council (including learning disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities and autism). He nominated the service for its innovation, prevention outcomes for individuals and their carers, and to challenge myths in relation to social interaction and friendship for adults on the autistic spectrum.

We had a fantastic evening at the awards night. Hosted by actress Sally Phillips, the evening was a celebration of the work of those in learning disabilities and autism sector. We are proud to have been finalists and will continue to strive to deliver quality support within our service.

Congratulations to all of the finalists!

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