One to One is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, charity number 1174859, we are dedicated to befriending adults with learning disabilities across County Durham, our mission is to foster social inclusion and enhance the lives of those we support. We believe every individual should have the opportunity to participate fully in their community and experience the joy of companionship. Our work is vital, as we are the only professional befriending service available in the region, where isolation often prevails.

The Need for Our Service

In our society, adults with learning disabilities frequently encounter barriers that prevent them from engaging in social activities. These barriers can manifest as isolation, low self-esteem, and poor health. As a result of our befriending service, 24 adults currently have the chance to benefit from increased confidence and improved overall well-being. Regular social interaction has been shown to provide significant positive impacts on mental health, offering individuals a sense of value and belonging. We don’t have a ‘bank’ of befrienders we match befrienders with service users and then advertise for a suitable befriender.

Our befrienders meet with clients for approximately three hours each week, but this can be as many as the service user needs, personalising each experience to cater to the service user’s interests and preferences. This might include day trips, arts and crafts, or simply enjoying a coffee together. Such interactions are not just activities; they are opportunities for growth, fostering friendships that can transform lives. We use the same befriender every week at the same time to ensure continuity. We make a charge for our service which pays the befriender the minimum wage and travel expenses to and from the client.