Welcome to the One to One website

Here you will find all the information you need if you would like a befriender or know someone else that needs one.

As a charity we put the service user first; we are here to make sure they get the most out of life and can do the things they want to do without carers or family members being involved except in the planning stage i.e. deciding where and what to do.

Our befrienders will arrive at a prearranged time every week. They will have their own fully insured transport, be fully trained and ready to take you out or even sit in and do things like crossword puzzles, gaming or just watching a film in fact whatever you want to do. Pictured is our service user Andrew with Danny John-Jules who played the Cat in Red Dwarf, Dwayne in Death in Paradise and was a star of Strictly Come Dancing. The photo was taken at the Durham Gala Theatre where Danny performed in his one man show ‘I Just Gotta Be Me’ the life story of Sammy Davis Jnr.

Although we are a charity all of our befrienders are employed by us meaning they are punctual and trustworthy with a professional attitude. They are a special bunch of people who give it their all. We don’t need a contract with you, if you need to stop for any reason then we just stop, simple as that.

Please get in touch with us at any time if you need to talk to someone. Details inside!

Andrew and Danny John Jules

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Welcome

One to One – Changing peoples lives by enabling independence, dignity and choice.

One to One is a registered charity that assists adults with learning disabilities to take part in their personal choice of activities in the community. The service is based in Spennymoor and operates across the whole of County Durham. 

The service is available to any adult (anyone aged 18 or over) with a learning disability using a Personal Budget or independent funds. Clients can also be referred to One to One by a Durham County Council Social Worker. For further information on access to the scheme, click here. 

The service benefits both service users and their families/carers, as the latter receive a short spell of respite while the client is taking part in their choice of activities. Activities are as varied as our clients, but many clients like to take part in some form of exercise – e.g. walking, swimming, attending a gym or horse riding. Sometimes clients like to visit relatives or local visitor attractions, go shopping, or out for a meal. Otherwise they might do some allotment gardening, or play darts or pool. Nothing is prohibited providing the activity is safe and legal. 

Befrienders are fully trained, including in first aid and health and safety. They provide transport in a private motor vehicle which is fully insured. The client pays for all mileage and other expenses reasonably incurred by the befriender while supporting the client to take part in their chosen activity. We will consider non driving applicants if we have prospective scheme service users that prefer to walk or use public transport. To find out more about becoming a befriender, click here.