However kind the professionals, sometimes it helps to talk to
another parent.
 Befrienders
are parent volunteers who themselves have a child with special
needs. Due to their own experience, befrienders can empathise
with new parents and help make positive adjustments to their
childs' disability.
Each befriender is carefully trained and
supervised by a professional Face 2 Face co-ordinator, who is always on hand to offer support and
guidance.
Befrienders offer support, practical advice and reassurance. Many parents
find it invaluable to have another parent who can simply listen and understand.
Face 2 Face meetings take place either
in the parent’s home or a convenient location agreed
between the parent and befriender. Befrienders support no
more than two families at once.
Sometimes families
need to meet their befriender just once or twice, others find
it useful to have support over several months.
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