The Walsall Befriending service which is run by a specialist team at Autism West Midlands offers support for adults to access the community through volunteer Befrienders enabling them to build confidence and social skills. The service offers the opportunity for adults to attend a range of group activity and topic sessions to meet others with autism.

Last month as part of these sessions the group visited the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham. The group were taught all about the different plants and wildlife by one of the group Volunteer Befrienders who has a great passion for plants and horticulture.

As a finalist in the 2017 national learning disabilities and autism awards, the befriending service offers a pathway of support to reduce social isolation. To find out more information about the group please contact aspire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk or call 0121 450 7582.

(Eligibility criteria: 18+ with a confirmed diagnosis of autism, living in Walsall local authority)