National Autistic Society urgently needs volunteers in the Rochdale area

National Autistic Society urgently needs volunteers in the Rochdale area

The National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism, needs volunteers from all walks of life to share interests with a young person with the condition.

Volunteers are wanted to support the charity’s befriending and mentoring scheme in the Rochdale area to help people who might otherwise be left socially isolated. A recent NAS survey revealed, 59% of people with autism found it hard to make friends, with 24% saying that they have no friends at all.

A common misconception is that people with autism prefer their own company, but 65% with the lifelong developmental condition said that they would like to have more friends.

Anne Grout, NAS Befriending & Mentoring Co-ordinator, said: “People with autism often have problems making sense of and coping with the world around them and can find it difficult to access social activities. Tackling isolation is a key part of our work and this project helps us reach out to people with autism in the Rochdale area.

“Volunteers for the scheme don’t need to know much about autism they should just be keen to learn and able to spare two or three hours a week to help someone in need of a friend. A small amount of time can make a huge difference. Whether you enjoy computers, the cinema, bowling, or staying in playing board-games, your time could make a real difference to someone in your community.”

Rochdale befriending scheme supports young people with autism aged 5-19 living in the borough. Volunteer befrienders of all ages are welcome. Volunteer training days will be held on Saturday 11 October and Saturday 18 October in the centre of Manchester.

For more information, contact rochdalebefriending@nas.org.uk