This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions please do contact us.
About Our Service
How long will I carry on seeing my befriender?
This depends on the parent and befriender. However, on average we find that parents seek support for 3-6 months.
 Where do parents and befrienders meet, and how long does a session last?
Meetings usually take place in the parent’s home, but sometimes parents and befrienders agree to meet in another suitable venue. Meetings take place around once a fortnight but can happen more or less frequently, depending on what the parent requests. Meetings usually last 1-2 hours.
Can meetings take place in the evening?
Yes, if there is a befriender available. Working parents, for example, sometimes find evening meetings more convenient.
Will I have to pay anything?
No, Face 2 Face is a free service to parents.
Are meetings between parents and befriender confidential?
Befrienders may discuss aspects of your situation with other befrienders in the same Face 2 Face scheme. However, nothing you say will be discussed outside of the befrienders group. The only time information is given to another agency would be if there were child protection issues. Parents and befrienders are asked to agree to this when joining the service. Confidentiality is vital because we want you to feel free to say anything that’s on your mind. Face 2 Face befrienders are trained to listen, understand and support.
Can a befriender become a friend too?
Yes, but only after the ‘befriending’ part of the relationship has formally ended. While acting as a befriender it is important to keep the relationship more formal. However, all befrienders are friendly and approachable!
My child was diagnosed some years ago. Can I still use the scheme?
Yes, although your local coordinator will assess your situation and let you know if Face 2 Face is the most appropriate support for you. If not, we will probably be able to recommend a different form of support
 Will my befriender’s child have a similar condition to mine?
Sometimes it is useful to match parents and befrienders whose children have the same condition. However this is not always possible. In any case, we find that parents of children with a wide range of disabilities have feelings and questions that have a lot in common.
What if my child has not been given a diagnosis?
We support parents whose children have not been diagnosed, as well as those who have received a formal diagnosis. We understand that not having a diagnosis can sometimes be extremely difficult. Face 2 Face supports parents in these circumstances too.
Do you offer
telephone support?
Introductions are normally made over the telephone. However,
the value of the scheme is based on being face-to-face. Having
said that, befrienders and parents sometimes also talk on
the telephone between visits.
Please
refer to or online and telephone befriending page.
Do you only work with certain kinds of disability?
Face to Face is a scheme that encompasses all disabilities and special needs.
Can men be befrienders too?
Yes, we are delighted to welcome male befrienders - we have too few! We would particularly like men befrienders to apply. Fathers often keep their feelings hidden to be strong for their families and in some cases would welcome seeing a male befriender.
 How can I get referred?
To join Face 2 Face simply contact your nearest scheme, using the listings on this website. However, you can ask someone else (for example your health visitor or social worker) to contact Face 2 Face on your behalf. Your nearest Face 2 Face co-ordinator will then contact you.
Does Face 2 Face support people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds?
Yes, Face 2 Face offers support to hundreds of parents and their families across England and Wales.
How quickly can a Befriender visit me?
After you contact Face 2 Face we can normally arrange a visit from a Befriender quite quickly, but this will depend on the availability of befrienders in your area.
What if I don't get on with my Befriender?
Contact your co-ordinator, who will find you another befriender
and will also explain the situation to your original befriender.
Will the Befriender accompany me to meetings about my child?
Not normally, but they will be able to give you support beforehand, based on their own experiences.
About How We Work
What does the Face 2 Face co-ordinator do?
Each Face 2 Face scheme employs a co-ordinator. Their role is to recruit befrienders, handle referrals to the scheme, promote the service and sometimes support the befrienders. There are also support workers, who look after the needs of the befriender and support them in the work that they do.
Can I start my own Face 2 Face scheme?
Yes, there are various ways to set up a Face 2 Face scheme.
If you'd like to know more, why not get hold of our Start
Up Pack - contact the Face 2 Face network on 0844 800
9189 or email Face
2 Face for details.
If you already run
an existing parent support group and would like further information
on Face 2 Face or joining the Network contact Face 2 Face
on 0844 800 9189 or email face2facenetwork@scope.org.uk
 What
is the role of a Face 2 Face management committee?
Many Face 2 Face schemes are run by other charities who have
their own management committees. In these cases Face 2 Face
will operate under the policies and procedures of this charity.
Other Face 2 Face schemes have their own charitable status,
with their own management group responsible for securing funding,
setting policies and supporting the work of the scheme. Whether
run as an independent charity or operating under the umbrella
of a larger organisation, each Face 2 Face scheme is expected
to operate to the good practice and training guidelines owned
by the network.
What is the role of Scope?
Scope co-ordinates the network of Face 2 Face schemes. This
includes monitoring training and looking at how each scheme
is working, plus supporting and training Face 2 Face co-ordinators.
Scope encourages the growth of the Face 2 Face network. It
also links to other relevant national and local agencies.
Who are the trainers?
Befrienders are all trained by suitably qualified counsellors who have training or group work experience. They are employed by the scheme to deliver training to the befrienders. Face to Face is fortunate that its trainers are totally committed to our work and often become further involved in the schemes.
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