Better Connected
Make friends no matter where you are!
Better Connected is a UK-wide social club for anyone with autism or learning difficulties. We organise online events through the week, local meetups and a monthly community magazine!
Learn about our online groups
We run a wide range of online groups throughout the week. Our groups give you the chance to meet new people, explore your interests, or just have fun. There’s something for everyone!
Yoga
with Bina
Stretch your muscles and become more flexible!
SkillUp
with Dan
Learn a brand new skill every week in this fun evening session.
Music quiz
with Amie
Our music trivia game covering all eras of music!
SuperBetter
with Dan
Unlock your own super-hero potential and defeat your enemies in this new wellbeing game!
Roleplay
(Coming soon)
If you’re into Dungeons and Dragons or other roleplaying games, this is the group for you.
Relaxation
with Rhea
Start the week with a session on learning relaxation techniques!
Tea & Biscuits
with Lin & Jane
A chatty afternoon group, sometimes with a game or quiz.
Monday catch-up
with Dan
Catch up about your week and chat about what was on TV over the weekend.
Karaoke
with Maxine
Join our popular monthly Karaoke session and sing your favourite songs!
Anxiety support
with Lin
Learn how to recognise the symptoms and how to handle anxious situations.
Minecraft
(Coming soon)
A dedicated server just for the Better Connected community where you can build, craft and make friends.
Social Club Night
with Dan & Dave
Join for some fun and games on a Thursday evening!
Read our magazine
The monthly Better Connected magazine goes to all members, and is full of community news and activities to do at home with the family. Through the magazine you can share your news and photos, take part in competitions, and find out what’s on.
What members say
“It has been a difficult time, but having a chat for an hour with Guideposts each week has really helped because they really understand our needs and how hard it can be”
Join us today!
Membership costs £10 a month and gives you access to all our groups, plus the monthly Better Connected magazine.
Click “Sign up” if you’re signing up for yourself or a family member, or “Make a referral” if you are a health or social care professional:
Our team
Amie Pells – Hub Coordinator
Amie started working for Guideposts two years ago through the Mates n Dates service. She now runs the Better Connected hub, organising all of the events and competitions, as well as the magazine. Family life with a little boy doesn’t give her much spare time, but she loves cooking, rock climbing, playing on the Nintendo Switch and discovering new places to explore!
Dave Pizzey – New Member Support
Dave started at Guideposts working for the GLADS service before moving to Better Connected. He is the friendly voice you hear at the end of the phone and is there if you have any questions or doubts! Dave has many hobbies – including sports and car racing – but he’s most looking forward to meeting up with people in person.
Dan Godwin – Online Content Creator
Dan is our newest team member and is role is to provide a range of fun, varied and educational sessions on Better Connected. Dan grew up with Cerebral Palsy and has taken this experience to work in a variety of roles, including in the care sector and with his local church.
Nick Howley – Tech Lead
Nick has been working for Guideposts for five years and is the brains behind the Better Connected virtual hub! He loves to involve members in the design of the service, so he will take on any suggestions you have. Jazz piano, filmmaking, swimming and cycling are some of Nick’s many hobbies (when he’s not addicted to Minecraft)!
FAQs
Who can join Better Connected?
We welcome anyone in the UK aged 18 or over who has additional needs when it comes to forming friendships. We can support people with a learning disability, autism, Asperger’s or a mental health difficulty.
If you are under 18 you can sign up for updates on the service here, and we will let you know when we set up an under-18s group.
How much does it cost?
You can choose to pay for:
- Magazine-only membership (£6 a month) – this includes 1 issue of the Better Connected magazine every month, complete with gifts and activities
- Full membership (£10 a month) – this includes the magazine, access to our virtual events, and a discount on local meetups
Depending on the activity, entry to a local meet-up usually costs around £5 for members, or £7 for non-members.
What happens when I sign up?
When you sign up, you can choose whether to become a full member of Better Connected and gain access to all of our events, or just subscribe to the magazine.
If you sign up for full membership:
- We’ll give you a New Member call to welcome you to the service and answer any questions you have
- We’ll ask for some extra information, such as emergency contact details, and whether you need any support with using technology.
- Finally, you’ll be invited to our monthly online New Member’s Welcome session, where you’ll be supported to meet and make friends with other new members.
What do I need to attend virtual events?
All you need is a computer or tablet with a microphone. If you want to appear on video, you’ll need a webcam too. You don’t need to install any special programs – all of our events are accessed through our members-only site.
Can I refer someone to your service?
Yes – simply fill out this referral form.
Contact us
If you have any questions, contact us using the form below:
