Friends and Relationships for Young People with SEND

It can be difficult to build friendships and relationships. There are many local groups that can support you to do this. Here are some you may be interested in.

Action Voices Sutton

Run by Advocacy for All, Action Voices Sutton are a group for young people aged 12-15 with SEND. You can meet new people and take part in a range of activities such as quizzes, music and drama. You can take part either online or in person. To find out more, visit the Action Voices directory page.

SIASS Youth Chat

The SIASS Youth Chat is a Facebook group for 16-25 year olds with SEND who live in Sutton. You can ask questions and interact with others to gain support as a young person with SEND. To learn more, visit the SIASS Youth Chat directory page.

Speak Up Sutton

Run by Advocacy for All, Speak Up Sutton is a group for those aged over 18 with SEND living in Sutton. You will get to meet other people who have similar views to you and get to talk about issues that matter to you. You will also have the chance to work with people who make decisions and have your voice heard. To find out more, visit the Speak Up Sutton directory page.

Luv2meetU

Luv2meetU is a friendship service for learning disabled adults and/or autism, helping you improve your overall health and well-being. It will give you the chance to meet new people, make friends and develop relationships if you choose. To access the Luv2meetU service it will cost £10 per month paid by setting up a regular standing order with your bank. In addition, they'll charge you £5 per event attended in your local community, which will be chargeable on the day of the event. If possible, pay by debit or credit card, although there will also be an option to pay cash.

You’ll also need to pay for the activity itself unless this is advertised as a free event. This could be food and drink, cinema tickets or transport to and from events. To find out more, visit the Luv2meetU website [External Link].

Charities Supporting Healthy Relationships for Young People

British Institute of Learning Disability (BILD)

BILD has a range of resources for people with SEND. They have information available about friendships and relationships that can support you. They also run a wide range of events that you may be able to attend online. To find out more, visit the BILD Friends and Relationships page [External Link].

Brook

Brook is a wellbeing and sexual health charity. They have a lot of information and advice on a wide range of relationship topics. This includes information on things you may think are true but aren't. They also have a chat feature on their website that you can use to get support on something that may be worrying you. To learn more, visit Brook's relationships page [External Link].

Choice Support

Choice support is a charity that supports people with autism, learning disabilities and mental health needs. They run a campaign called Supported Loving. They aim to ensure people with SEND can have the same relationship freedoms as everyone else. They provide a wide range of resources to support you including blog posts and podcasts. To learn more, visit the Supported Loving directory page.

Childline

Childline is a charity that supports young people aged 19 and under. They have information pages on a range of friendship and relationship topics. The service is free to use and you can contact them at any time for advice and support. For more information, visit the Childline Friends, Relationships and Sex page [External Link].

The NSPCC

The NSPCC run Love Life which has many films and resources to help young people learn how to stay safe online. They are aimed at 11-25 year olds and can help you as you become more independent. They may also be helpful as you start meeting new people online. They cover many topics such as privacy, feelings and friendship. To find out more visit the NSPCC Love Life pages [External Link].

PANTS helps to explain privacy and boundaries. These rules can help to keep you safe in relationships. To find out more, watch the PANTS video [External Link].

The Down's Syndrome Association

The Down's Syndrome Association have information and training on Relationships and Sex Education. This is tailored to those with down syndrome. The resource is suitable for those aged over 18. To find out more visit the Down's Syndrome Association Relationships and Sex page [External Link].