You’ve got a friend in me: New Autism friendship scheme launched

An innovative West Midlands befriending project has matched 24 autistic people and people with disabilities, who are currently in hospital, with individuals who have lived experience of being a hospital inpatient.

First commissioned as a pilot by NHS England in January 2022, the Buddies Project is run by Bild – an organisation dedicated to providing support for people with disabilities – the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and Reach Out. So far, it has helped match 24 autistic people and people with disabilities with individuals who can provide a helping hand.  

The new scheme offers 50-minute weekly online sessions that allow for people with Autism and learning disabilities to spend time with their buddy. They can talk about anything, ranging from life plans, gaming, favourite sports, issues with other patients or just life on the ward in general.

One person who has just started using the new platform said: ‘I find it difficult to talk to some staff about my feelings, about stuff. And there’s only certain people I’ll go to with, like personal information.’

A buddy added: ‘[My Buddee knows] every Monday at four o’clock that they’ve got me. It’s that consistency and they know they can talk, and they know I’m not a professional or hospital staff.’

In addition, Ben Higgins, CEO of Bild, has praised the new scheme for helping create a sense of community for people with autism and learning disabilities who are currently in hospital.  

‘We are delighted with the impact the Buddies Project has had in the West Midlands,’ Ben said. ‘Bild and the RRN believe people should live in ‘homes not hospitals’ and this project has provided a unique and personal link back to the community for those patients subject to long-term segregation and restrictions.

Ben added: ‘The funding for this project ends in March 2024. As more hospitals realise the benefits of this project, we hope to be able to continue the Buddies Project beyond this point, helping to support even more autistic people and people with learning disabilities on their journey back into their communities.’

Image: Hannah Rodrigo

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