The idea
Meet for a coffee, go for a walk, build a friendship. Change a life.
Sky Autism Support Malvern has contact with over 180 families with a child on the spectrum in and around Malvern. For many people living with autism can mean a life of challenges and isolation. SKY Autism Support Malvern wants to establish a network of 1:1 befriending and mentoring support for people with autism that can help to build:
-Confidence
-Connection
-Resilience
-Hope
Through supported companionship, the project will improve wellbeing and quality of life and allow both sides of a Buddy pair to try new things in ways that are comfortable for them.
YOU can help SKY by:
-Pledging the funds we need to establish, train and support our volunteer network
-Pledging your valuable time by becoming a SKY Buddy!
-Pledging gift-in kind opportunities and activities for our buddy pairs to enjoy (eg. a free cup of coffee, lunch, ticket, trip or outing)
We thank you so much in advance of your support!
What we'll deliver
- Recruit 15 new volunteers
- Provide training and DBS checks for all volunteers recruited
- Match 15 Buddy pairs
- Provide ongoing support and supervision to our Buddy pairs
Why it's a great idea
This project will bring benefits to the autistic community, their families, our volunteers and the wider community!
Confidence: Trying new things, in supported and safe ways can help to improve the confidence of both parties. Improved confidence has a significant impact on wellbeing.
Connection: New friendships will grow. Both sides of the Buddy pair will feel more connected to their local community and become less isolated as they meet people they may not ordinarily connect with.
Resilience: Many people with autism rely heavily upon the constant support of close family. Our dream is to develop a community that will continue to support autistic people when their families are no longer able to. The project will offer a layer of resilience for individuals and families, by increasing skills, independence and developing positive relationships outside the family.
Hope: Mentors will help people feel encouraged, supported and positive about the future.
Steps to get it done
- Volunteer recruitment activity and delivery of project launch event
- Recruitment and onboarding of volunteers
- DBS checks undertaken
- Volunteer training
- Volunteer networking event
- Mentor matching activity
- Buddy activities
If you would like to volunteer as a buddy for the scheme we would love to hear from you!
Please contact: [email protected]
