Friendship Scheme

Friendship is important to us all. Without friends, life can be lonely and isolated. That is why the Friendship Schemes, which Guideposts has developed for people with learning disabilities in Oxfordshire, East Hertfordshire and Gloucestershire, are so vital.

The service links volunteers with people who have learning disabilities, enabling them to go out socially and enjoy the ’same kind’ of leisure activities as anyone else and which, otherwise, would not be possible.

Volunteers are matched with service users who have similar interests and hobbies, to form a friendship and enjoy activities. These include going to the pub for a drink, shopping, outings to London, watching live music, playing snooker and pool, going swimming and much more.

As well as creating long term friendships, this gives people with learning disabilities increased self-confidence, greater independence, a wider social network and equal opportunities.