DABD Barking & Dagenham - Support for families

When you have a child with additional, behavioural or complex needs, it can be difficult to find time for yourself.

We provide support for families which, as well as giving you much needed respite, can encourage independence, confidence and valuable life skills for your child.
Befriending
 
Our Befriending service provides a one-to-one support worker for your child to help them access the activities they enjoy or would like to enjoy.

The service is available for children and young people aged 5 – 24, seven days a week including evenings.

It’s up to you and your child which activities they would like to participate in. It could be swimming, a trip to the park or cinema, bowling, attending a youth club, walking, shopping or a meal out.

Their support worker will accompany them and help them participate in their chosen activity.
Independence skills
The teenage years can be a challenging time for young people with a disability or additional needs.

Going to the cinema or bowling, attending a sports or social club or even a trip to the shops can make a world of difference in encouraging choice, confidence, independence and life and social skills - all important as young people move into adulthood.

Our support workers can accompany young people aged 13 + to the activities they enjoy and help them access and participate in opportunities they may not otherwise be able to access.