Corona Virus Urgent update 18th March 2020

We were contacted by Norfolk County Council late yesterday afternoon advising that all day services should close by today (Wednesday).

We have had no choice but to make the difficult decision to close all Workskills / Adult Leisure and Bespoke services until further notice

So this means that from this afternoon members will be remaining at home and will not be coming out to services. NCC, in addition, have cancelled all the transport from today.
We know this will be really difficult for our members and their families.
Supported Living and outreach in people’s homes will continue as normal; we will let you know of any changes that come into force.
It goes without saying that we need to be notified of any symptoms from members or their household.
Currently, our Charity Shop and Café will remain open as normal staffed by staff – it will be closed if advice changes from government.

If you suffering extreme hardship due to the current situation, please ring to discuss in case there is anything we can do to help. Our office will be open the usual hours.
About with friends have been busily gathering as much information as possible about the impact of the Coronavirus (Covid-19). We have taken advice from trusted sources, working out how we best protect our members, our communities and our colleagues.
We are in constant contact with all relevant authorities to make sure that we continue to do everything we can.
If you have any concerns please contact us on info@aboutwithfriends.co.uk.
We don’t want to inundate you with emails so follow us our web site www.aboutwithfriends.co.uk
Remember:
A high temperature or fever OR a new continuous cough could be signs of the Coronavirus. If you have ANY of these symptoms please visit 111 online and complete the questionnaire for Coronavirus or telephone 111 if you do not have online access. If you have ANY of these symptoms you should stay indoors, avoid close contact with other people and contact 111 for confirmatory advice. It is VERY IMPORTANT that this advice is followed.

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Many thanks again for J’s lovely break in Derbyshire with About with Friends. He really enjoyed himself, had loads of fun and told us all about the cable cars, stepping stones, cinema, meals out, etc.! We would be very grateful if you could pass on our sincere thanks to all the staff who organised the holiday and supported our youngsters to enable them to have such a wonderful time. We are also very grateful as we, ourselves, were able to enjoy a short break in Paris, which was wonderful and recharged our batteries!

I just cannot thank you enough for taking K my daughter so that she could have fun with her friends on holiday in Milton Keynes, […] it made her extremely happy.

Selfishly for me it gave my wife a much sought after period of respite exhausted after 16 years of constant care. Complete respite is dependent upon the knowledge that your child is in safe professional caring hands. The ‘about with friends’ staff impress me because they display such enthusiastic vocational attitudes towards their care.

I haven’t seen D for ages and he looks like a new man . The stress has gone from his face – he looks great Well done !!!!

Just a short note to thank you all for your help with our daughter. she has spent many years at school with little improvement in her behaviour and speech, yet in just a few weeks she has been with you guys the improvements in both areas are plain to see.

I am not sure what the different methods used are but please continue as you are, as life at the moment for us as a family is greatly improved because of your input.

We are very aware of her complex needs and how she can change like the wind but we will continue to enjoy the fruits of your labours.

To all the staff at About with Friday, I had a wonderful time with you guys, and I want to say a big thank you for looking after me. Love from K.

AWF offers and amazing, caring, supportive group to both special needs adults/children & their families. Since N joined you he has been to some fantastic places, met some amazing friends and done activities we would never have thought he’d do. You have helped our family life improve by making N a happier, more content, confident boy.

After 30 years of trying to get P engaged in activities, he is now, under your care, beginning to grow like a great Oak tree.

This is the best transition I have had for a student in the whole five years I have taught 6th formers!

Over the last five years I have had a fortnightly, 2 hour designated gardening slot. I highly value your service and ethos.

Having spent many years in school with little improvements in I’s behaviour and speech, in just a few weeks with you the improvements in both areas are plain to see. Please continue as you are, as life at the moment for us as a family is greatly improved because of your input.