Outside the Box are currently exploring ways to demonstrate and identify the scope and impact of enhanced befriending support or buddying support, from people who have life experience for people and families who face challenges.

We are thinking about, and checking out, how it would work if single people and families who have less life experience or are having a difficult time are matched up with people from their local community who have something to share.

Some of the things we want to find out about are

• What sort of support, training, skills and knowledge would buddies need?
• What impact would it have for those involved and for communities?
• What would people and families find useful from buddies?
• What are the different ways in which buddies could help?

We want to explore these ideas further with interested individuals, organisations and networks.

We will share the things we have learnt with people and organisations across Scotland by:

• Producing updates
• Gathering resources and materials
• Working with people, organisations and networks
• Producing an easy read guide with practical advice

Questions for you…

Does this project relate in any way to work that you are doing?

Do you have any thoughts, comments or questions about the project?

Would you like to be part of this work / kept up to date with its development?

Please contact us – we would love to hear from you:

Louise Willson – l.willson@otbds.org
Ruth Cape – ruthcape@btconnect.com