Developing relationships and making friends
Developing a relationships with others can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you with those first steps:
Ask questions and listen to the reply, this shows interest;
Offer a compliment or awareness of something someone has achieved;
Share something that you have created or have an interest in;
Join in with an activity, or invite someone to join your activity;
Join a club or attend a group you are interested in;
If you see someone on their own, check if they are OK, or sit near them showing support.
Smile!
Once you have developed some meaningful friendships, make sure you continue to put effort into your interactions. Invite friends over to your house or meet somewhere you both enjoy, take part in a group together, and do activities together.
Activities
Explore our social, leisure and community directories to find social groups and activities you can take part in:
Social, leisure and communities - for young people with additional needs
Young People's groups, activities and support services - universal for all young people
If you are on Facebook or Instagram, follow our pages to find out about more activities and opportunities happening in your local area:
Live Well Bath & North East Somerset - Facebook
Youth Info BathNES - Instagram
As you get older you may wish to explore the groups, services and activities within the directory for adults with Learning Disabilities.
Holiday Playschemes and Short Breaks are opportunities for you to try new activities, build friendships, and develop skills. You can find out about opportunities in your area by taking a look at the information on our Holiday Playschemes and Short Breaks page.
Staying Safe
It's important you understand how to stay safe now that you are becoming more independent. Avon and Somerset Police operate a Safe Places Scheme that you can join, which enables you to to easily access support from the Police if you find yourself in danger or at risk, and you will be guided to a registered Safe Place while help is on it's way to you.
Bath & North East Somerset offer a free Rainbow Resource card to any young person with a special educational needs and/or Disability, living in the area. The card confirms you have an additional need and may be useful to have on you incase you need to access help or support. Find out how to apply on the Rainbow Resource Scheme page.
Mencap have some really useful information on their website about staying safe online, as well as whilst out in the community. This includes information about bullying, including how to recognise it and what to do about it.
On our site you can find services available in our area that will support you with staying safe.
If you are beginning to use the internet to connect with friends, interact with others and play online games, Internet Matters can guide you in making sure you keep yourself and your identity safe online.
Explore the Independent Living, Housing and Transport pages for information to help you get around your local area and access support using public and community transport.
Other useful information
HRCG Care Group provide information about services for people aged 18 and over with Learning Disabilities, including information about Day Centres
Our universal pages for Young People can support you in finding groups, opportunities, mental health support and guidance, signposting to confidential support services, activity inspiration and more.