Links helps autistic adults and people with learning disabilities to reduce isolation, build confidence and connect with others in their local community through social groups for adults and supportive opportunities to meet others.
Links
Feeling lonely or cut off from others can be really hard. You might want to make friends as an adult, try new things or feel more confident getting out and about, but not always know how to take that first step. Links is here to help you feel more connected and supported in your local community, including opportunities focused on making friends for adults in a safe and welcoming way.
Links is designed to help you build friendships, grow in confidence and enjoy spending time with others. As part of our befriending service for adults, we take the time to get to know you, understand what you enjoy and what you would like to work towards, and then support you to get involved in activities that feel right for you.
You will be supported to take part in weekly group activities for adults, as well as wider community activities and social clubs for adults, giving you the chance to try new hobbies, build confidence and form meaningful connections. You do not have to do this alone, the Links team will be there to support you along the way.
Links runs across the Chelmsford, Braintree and Basildon areas, offering flexible support that reflects what is happening in your local community. You will be matched with a trained volunteer who shares similar interests, making it easier to build social connections, take part in social groups for adults, and feel at ease.
To join Links, you need to:
• Be aged 18 or over
• Identify as autistic or as having a learning disability (no formal diagnosis is required)
• Be able to go out in the community without one-to-one care or supervision
• Not require support with medication or feeding
Links is a free service. We can also offer free support, information, advice and guidance to members of Ukrainian families living in Essex who have a physical or learning disability.
You can make a referral to Links using this form - you can refer yourself or someone you know you you feel would benefit from the programme.
Case studies/
Testimonials
Hamelin celebrates growing impact of Links befriending service at community showcase event
Hamelin welcomed volunteers, participants and partners to a special showcase event to celebrate the success and continued growth of its Links befriending service across mid and south Essex.
The event brought together Links volunteers and the people they support, alongside local commissioners, social workers and care providers. Representatives from the National Lottery, whose three-year…
Resources
Links timetable
DownloadFAQ
Links supports autistic adults and people with learning disabilities who would like help exploring hobbies, learning new skills, or considering employment opportunities.
Links operates in the Chelmsford, Braintree, and Basildon districts.
Volunteer befrienders help people with similar interests socialise, widen their networks, and take part in weekly social groups within their community.
Yes. Links offers opportunities to learn new skills, gain confidence, and explore hobbies with guided support. Mentoring and coaching are also available.
Yes. Employment support may include:
• Workshops
• CV writing
• Job placement
• Confidence building
• Skills development
No experience is required, just an interest in learning, socialising, or exploring work opportunities.
No. Participation is free. We are able to offer this programme thanks to generous donations from individuals and funding from organisations including the National Lottery Community Fund and Bailey Thomas.
Call us on 01277 653889 or email links@hamelin.org.uk
Get involved
We’re proud to work with a broad cross-section of our community; together improving the world for disabled and neurodiverse people. Our work is only possible thanks to individuals and businesses generously giving us their time, fundraising efforts and donations.
