The Buddies Project is an innovative peer befriending initiative supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities who are detained in mental health hospitals. The project was first commissioned as a pilot by NHS England in January 2022, and delivered by Bild, the Restraint Reduction Network and Reach Out.
The project matches hospital inpatients (Buddees) with trained volunteers (Buddies) who have lived experience of being detained themselves. Through weekly 50-minute online sessions, Buddees build consistent, confidential relationships with someone who understands the experience of being in hospital.
This simple but powerful model reduces isolation, increases confidence and social engagement, and offers hope to individuals often subject to high levels of restrictive practices.
Buddees have shared the value of having someone they can trust and speak to openly, and the project also benefits Buddies, who gain confidence and purpose through supporting others.
Find out more about the Buddies project below:
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