Our befriending and mentoring programme supports autistic adults and people with learning disabilities to access their local community and socialise. Participants are matched with volunteers, who they work with to break down barriers to do the things they want to do. We’ve supported participants with a wide range of life goals, from understanding recent diagnoses, to gaining the skills needed to gain paid work or access their hobbies independently.

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Hamelin has partnered with two local mental health charities – Sociability and The Craig Tyler Trust, and the Basildon and Brentwood Alliance to support people across Brentwood and Basildon boroughs. Healthcare professionals such as GPs can connect people to the programme where our Social Prescribers can find non-medical support to improve mental and physical health for participants.

Roots and Shoots is a horticultural training project based in Rochford, which offers training and practical experience to develop confidence, creativity and life skills. People learn where their food comes from, how to plant and nurture fruits and vegetables, and understand the wildlife around them. Roots and Shoots also offers structured employability training, helping people to become ready to access paid and voluntary jobs.