The Harvest Project Befriending Scheme

The befriending scheme is currently in year two of a three year programme with 15 members currently being taken out on a weekly/fortnightly basis by a volunteer. This has proven very successful with numbers increasing on a monthly basis. Some of the activities that the groups do, are going out for meals, visiting the cinema, going to get their nails painted, hand massage, swimming, badminton and visiting museums to name a few. Some members and their Befrienders also meet up with other member’s and their friend and go out as groups, meeting new people and interacting with other members of the Down's Syndrome Association that they might not get to see on a regular basis.

The project is a three year programme with only 25 places in total, the aim is to dispel isolation and loneliness and encourage members out into their community. The criteria is for adults with Down’s syndrome who are over 40 or adults with Down’s syndrome who are over 30 but with parents/careers over 60. If you feel this project would be of benefit to you or you would like to volunteer for this project or you would just like more information on it please do not hesitate to contact our office on 028 9066 5260. Next are a few stories from members and their friends.

Maria & Susan
"We have been befriending Susan now for two years now. It’s great; I really look forward to our Thursday nights together. At the start I was very nervous, as was Susan but we have grew to become great friends. We do everything! We love to try new things and try to find something different each week. Susan like me, loves the soaps so on occasion we’ll have a night in with soaps and a few games of ludo. We share a love for painting our nails, Disney movies and trips to the cinema so if ever there’s something that catches our interests we are there. We love treating ourselves to the occasional trip to the Opera House and recently went to the Disney on Ice show in the Odyssey Arena. We loved the Christmas scene in Belfast and have had a Christmas shopping trip. Susan’s attends Edgcume training and resource centre and they are holding a Gala dinner dance so we have lots to look forward to in the coming weeks. I think the befriending scheme is great; we have formed a very great friendship from it and I really enjoy my time with Susan."

Gregory and Brian

"I’ve been befriending Brian now for over a year and have loved every moment of it! Although Brian calls me ‘Torture’ I still think he enjoys our little trips as well! We have done a lot in the past year, but I think some of Brian’s favourite trips have been to Streamvale Farm, Belfast Castle and the Christmas Market. Every time I see Brian he has a smile on his face and is always laughing. This of course is infectious so it’s always great to see him! Brian is one of the most outgoing people I know, saying hello to everyone in the street, and is especially fascinated by the ladies. He loves dogs, has a passion for music and always keeps me in line! I look forward to our next trip out, and I’m sure he’s looking forward to it too, he might just meet his next girlfriend!"

David and Gerard
“As a new volunteer, Gerard and I are still getting to know each other. I have found it very helpful that we have similar interests. We both enjoy going to the cinema and dining out! As a result, our nights out have included a film, several eating expeditions and a night of bowling which also included a game of pool. Gerard is a very organised person and likes to keep a diary of what we do together. He has enjoyed all of our outings and ensures definite plans are in place for the following week. Gerard continues to help me with ‘my timekeeping’. I personally get a lot of enjoyment befriending Gerard and I feel he does too.”

John and William
"I’ve been befriending William for just over two months now. It’s great being out with William he’s always happy and never cares where he goes as long as he’s out and about doing something. I always look forward to meeting up with William. We go out bowling, playing pool, out for coffee or for a meal or the cinema. We both are looking forward to the weeks aheadand getting to know each other a lot better."