Friendship 4 All
Friendship 4 All
Guideposts Friendship 4 All supports adults in Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire with learning disabilities to meet new people and develop meaningful relationships through a combination of social group sessions and group outings.
Current Status: NEW OXFORDSHIRE GROUP. Looking for new members. Contact us today if you would like to join or for more information.
How Friendship 4 All works
Guideposts Friendship 4 All offers a variety of groups and activities for adults with learning disabilities. We support members through regular social groups, art and exercise clubs, and occasional outings and events. The scheme currently operates in Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire towns: St Albans, Harpenden, Stevenage, North Hertfordshire, East Hertfordshire, Welwyn, and Hatfield.
Hertfordshire Activities Programme
Hertfordshire Groups and Friendship Clubs
- Weekly and fortnightly social groups – There are a variety of small social groups which meet in East Herts, Welwyn, and Hatfield throughout the month.
- Friendship Clubs in St Albans (monthly), Harpenden (monthly), and Stevenage (weekly)– The Friendship Clubs meet for varied group activities, enabling you to meet and make new friends. Regular activities include going for meals, to the theatre, movies, picnics, playing pool, and playing golf. We always welcome suggestions from our members too.
- Harpenden Art Group– A chance to meet others and enjoy arts and crafts in a relaxed yet exciting and hands on creative group. Activities include puppet making, card making, mosaic work, and learning about art from around the world (for example, Aboriginal paintings).
- Fit for Fun- A gentle and fun exercise and movement session, combined with a healthy eating session.
- Walking Groups– Gentle walking groups in St Albans/Harpenden and North Herts. Meeting points for the groups vary according to weather, walking route, and requests from our members.
- Lunch Clubs– Available in St Albans/Harpenden and North Herts. Meeting points for the groups vary according to venue and requests from our members.
Please refer to our activity schedule for more details on the groups and activities available. Our scheme co-ordinators also provide a newsletter to our members each quarter which detail the activities, trips, and events planned. Monthly membership fee is £10.
Oxfordshire Activities Programme
Oxfordshire Groups and Friendship Clubs
Social Meet Ups – Monthly socials in and around Oxfordshire on the 3rd Thursday of every other month.
Outings and Events – Various outings and trips throughout the year, an example of trips include theme parks, shows and parties.
Online Groups – Monthly online sessions every other month including quizzes. Connect, learn, and grow together in our online groups.
Outings and Events
The Friendship Schemes organise several outings and events throughout the year, which are highlights for all involved in the programme. Travel will depend on location, with coach travel often used, otherwise independent travel will be needed. Destinations and events include:
- Theatre shows
- Pantomimes
- Canal trips
- Summer and Christmas parties
- Halloween parties
- Coach trips to local historic and cultural places of interest
Who can we support?
We support adults with a learning disability, who want to develop their confidence and social skills. Our staff are trained to work with a range of additional needs, including sight, hearing and mobility problems.
Why should I join?
Becoming more active and making friendships can help you to gain confidence and a greater sense of fulfilment in life. We can support you to develop a network of friends while trying new things. We also have a lot of fun and give our carers a break!
“I really enjoy the trips. I have been to so many places I had never seen before. It’s fun to be able to go on trips and make new friends at the same time. I have lots of friends now and I don’t feel lonely.”
Michael, a regular Friendship 4 All member
“It’s lovely when Bea comes home. She is so happy to have spent time with friends and get out of the house. I am able to take a break and have a few hours to myself. It does us both the world of good.”
Bea’s parent
How to join
We receive referrals from health care professionals, as well as self referrals. Please fill in the referral form below and then email it to friendship4all@guideposts.org.uk.
The coordinators will then get in touch to arrange a time to meet or talk on the phone to give you more information about the scheme, and answer any questions you may have.
