Our Mission | About with Friends

/ Who We Are / Our Mission

Creating opportunities and support for people with learning disabilities to live the life they choose.

Our Vision

To continue to be the organisation of choice for our members and always be led and supported by a team that passionately believes in them.
To support members in having every opportunity to develop all skills and confidence possible so they can live the life of choice.
To fully involve our membership every step of the way and to stay flexible and responsive to members needs and wishes – so that we remain truly member led.
To have informed Trustees making informed decisions. A skilled and enthusiastic team all singing (or at least warbling) from the same hymn sheet.
To ensure the right training for all members, staff and volunteers.
To work to ensure financial sustainability throughout all service and continue planned sharing of resources for best value.
Good financial planning for the future.
To meet all areas of Charity Governance, Health and Safety and to remain aware of Government policy and priorities.
Steady growth of well-trained enthusiastic volunteers, supported by Volunteer Coordinators.
To continually listen, adapt and develop to provide supported living accommodation, community outreach and bespoke services that fit our member’s needs.
Work as advocates for our members as needed and teach self-advocacy skills.

Our Aims

Support members in making real friendships.
Provide real work opportunities for our members.
Provide members with real choice to the skills they develop.
Support people to live independently in their own homes.
Provide a range of fun planned activities which allow families/carers respite.
Listen to feedback from members and families and respond.
Integrate individuals with complex needs into the About with Friends family.
Value our staff, Trustees and volunteers.

I always have a smile on my face after a day with the members of the team. They are all individuals and each, in their own way, bring joy to my life. They are all much appreciated and I enjoy the gardening of course!

It was a massive decision for his family to make and by choosing AWF it means they trust totally in the service. I am of the opinion that AWF is the only provision in the county for D and he is very happy to attend.

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!

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

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.

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.

I’ve got my life back

Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and everyone else that supported H on the recent trip – she had an amazing time. I enjoyed look at the Twitter feed to see what you had been up to.

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

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 !!!!