George

 (Names have been changed to protect the identity of our clients)

George is a middle aged man with severe learning disabilities who lives at home with his mother, who is his sole carer. He attends a day centre but has no other services. His mother is unwilling to accept respite care for George and was initially reluctant to accept our services, despite referral by the Social Care and Health team who work with George.

George’s mother quickly realised how much George looked forward to seeing his befriender each week – and also that her visits provided some respite for her. She has come to trust the befriender and look forward to her visits too.

George and his befriender have an excellent rapport and she has encouraged him to achieve small goals, e.g. to scan items through the checkout at the supermarket, to get in and out of the car unaided and to fasten his own seatbelt – small steps for most of us, but massive steps for George.