London Autism Befriending
Currently at full capacity. Our befriending service is not accepting new referrals or requests for support at the moment.
Our befriending scheme offers friendship and regular contact to people aged 16 and over in London and the surrounding counties, including autistic people, parents and family carers.
The scheme pairs people with a charity volunteer to help reduce loneliness and support wellbeing. Contact begins through WhatsApp, with one-to-one conversations on Zoom if wanted.
Community outreach is a separate service, described below, with different aims and availability.
Community Outreach Service
Enquiries and expressions of interest are welcome. Our outreach officer is already supporting many people, so capacity is limited. We cannot promise that we can take on someone new or offer a start date.
Outreach offers practical, personalised support to autistic adults who face significant social anxiety, isolation or other barriers to getting out, connecting with people or attending our activities. The aim is to build confidence and independence at your pace, helping you feel more able to take part in community life.
Who we can currently support
Our current Community Outreach Officer is an autistic man. We currently welcome enquiries about support for autistic men aged 18 and over in London and nearby areas where we can work safely and practically. We consider each person's needs, goals, existing support and our available capacity before agreeing any support.
What support can look like
- Agreeing small, manageable steps towards goals that matter to you.
- Help with planning, routines, communication and preparing to go somewhere new.
- Accompanying you to an initial community activity or appointment, where appropriate and safe.
- Supporting you to try our community cafés or other LAGC events, with the hope of building confidence and connections over time.
- Helping you find and connect with other suitable services or longer-term support.
Support may include in-person contact, remote check-ins or shared activities linked to your agreed goals. Where and how we meet is agreed together, taking account of accessibility, safety and what is practical. It is about reducing barriers and respecting your autistic identity, not expecting you to mask or become someone else.
Clear goals, regular reviews and a supported transition
Outreach is usually time-limited, but its length is guided by your needs and regular reviews, rather than an automatic cut-off. We agree a support plan together, review it initially at around six weeks and then at least every 12 weeks. Longer support may be appropriate when justified, but it is not guaranteed.
It is not indefinite companionship, personal care, therapy, a crisis or emergency service, or a replacement for statutory services. As your confidence and connections grow, we plan any reduction or ending of support carefully with you, including links to other support where appropriate.
Enquire about outreach
You are welcome to tell us a little about the barriers you are facing and what you hope support could help you do. An enquiry is a chance to explore whether the service may be suitable; it does not guarantee a place.