Leicestershire Face 2 Face Scheme

Face 2 Face offers a free one-to-one befriending service for parents discovering their child is disabled. Befrienders provide emotional support to other parents at the time of diagnosis and at times of change or difficulty. We understand the distressing emotions, frustrations and challenges that parents and carers face in bringing up one or more children with special needs and our aim is to give caring, confidential and non-judgmental support when they need it. We want to help empower parents to do what is best for them and their children and to make the best use of available services.

Face 2 Face Leicestershire has expanded quickly since its launch in February 2010. There is now a third group of volunteer parents being trained which will take the total number of befrienders available to support parents, to over 20.

Fiona Burton, the co-ordinator of the scheme and also a parent of a disabled child says:

“Face 2 Face Leicestershire have been very involved this year in Parent Participation and also in providing feedback for the SEN and Disability consultations. We have recently started a regular night out for dads, stepdads and grandads to get together and are looking to do a similar event for mums. We are very fortunate to have a team of committed, skilled and enthusiastic volunteers. “

If you have any questions about the service, would like to make a referral (including a self-referral) or would like to train to become a befriender, please call us on 07736 730978.