Big News from Friends Action North East….

Friends Action North East is delighted to announce that we have been successfully awarded a further 5 years funding from the 'Big Lottery Reaching Communities Fund.' The funding will enable us to continue to develop our work supporting Adults with a Learning disability, mental health issues and Autistic Spectrum Disorder to combat loneliness and social isolation by learning the skills needed to make and keep friends.

Over the last 5 years, we have supported people through our 1:1 mentoring, training and group projects to make and maintain friendships, making a significant difference to the lives of people like Jackie:

After 30 years of working at Traidcraft, Jackie’s early retirement had left her feeling isolated and frustrated.

“I had just left work and was worried about being on my own all the time, the only time I saw other people to talk to was at work…I didn’t feel confident meeting people and going to new places by myself and didn’t want to always rely on my family”

For some years, Jackie's parents felt both a support worker and advocacy worker would be beneficial in Jackie's life, but Jackie didn't agree as she felt strongly that rather than helping, it would in fact take away her independence.   However, FANE has supported and helped Jackie with her confidence and communication skills, which has enabled her to accept support from other agencies, which in turn has improved Jackie’s life.

Adults with a learning disability and Autistic Spectrum Disorder are far more likely to be socially isolated than their non-learning disabled peers and get little or no support to help them with their friendships, and the skills needed to maintain them. As a result they are more likely to suffer physical and mental health related problems.

FANE is currently the only North East based project solely dedicated to supporting friendship in this unique way. Our work has enabled people like Jackie to gain the confidence and skills needed to build meaningful friendships and social networks. This can have a hugely positive impact on not only their own lives, but their families too, as Jackie’s sister Micki explains:

 “Our Mum has always found it difficult to go away and leave Jackie, but since Jackie has developed a now independent friendship with Louise, and has a supportive network around her via the groups set up by Friends Action, she feels confident to do this. Mum has just returned from a long trip to New Zealand to visit her other daughter. I also feel like I have a proper 'sister' relationship with Jackie now, where before it felt more like a 'carer' role. We now have a much more equal relationship. It has been life changing for the entire family.”

On returning from New Zealand, Jackie and Micki's Mum Christa, noticed a significant change in Jackie. “We showed Jackie a photo of herself, and she said she was much happier and relaxed now.”

 One of the many skills Jackie has learnt with FANE includes using a mobile phone to send texts, which has improved her contact with family and friends. Jackie has now formed new relationships with nieces and nephews and is able to make arrangements with friends on a regular basis. All of which has enabled her to become more independent, as Jackie explains:

“I have a friend called Louise, we talk and text and make plans every week to meet. I enjoy meeting Louise. I get better at keeping conversations going. We help each other getting about and going to new places. I feel more confident.”

Friends Action North East have big plans for the next 5 years, including the continued development of our one to one mentoring project, our pan disability website and our bespoke digital friendship toolkit.

Sally Evans, Project Manager for FANE is delighted with the news:

‘We are so proud of the fact that the big lottery has recognised the importance of Friendship for vulnerable people and the time- intensive effort that it takes for people to achieve them. Receiving continued funding will enable FANE to continue it’s important work of supporting even more people to learn skills to achieve a level of independent friendships like Jackie.

To find out more information about Friends Action North East go to our website www.friendsaction.co.uk email infor@friendsaction.co.uk .