Time2Share was set up in 1972 to support families with a disabled child. Although more disabled children now attend mainstream schools they may still struggle socially and need support to go out independently.

We recruit local volunteers who are linked 1:1 with a child and their family. They visit regularly and spend time doing something which the child chooses to do. Current activities include cycling, going to the cinema, going for a walk, visiting theme parks, going out for a meal, shopping etc. The scheme is very flexible and many parents say they appreciate having someone around with extra energy! It gives children an opportunity to have an independent social life and a sense that they have someone who comes to spend time just with them. It also gives parents / carers a chance to have a short break and catch up with other things.

A reasonable expectation would be a few hours a week. Volunteers come in all shapes, ages and sizes but we try hard to set up links where there is a shared interest and everyone involved is happy! All volunteers are fully checked and undergo a formal Criminal Records Bureau check.

Currently we are funded to work in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset. Each area has a paid co-ordinator who helps to set up the link and will keep in regular contact to check how things are going and help with any questions which come up.

Through running the befriending scheme we became aware of a need for teenagers to meet up with friends and have some time out together. We have started some small social groups. In Bath and N E Somerset we are now running 6 groups for 14-19 year olds. We have 3 groups in the Bath area and have started 3 new groups in the Norton Radstock area. We also organise a group for young people over 18 to go out together twice a month on a Friday evening. In Bristol we have a group for young people with Aspergers Syndrome which meets every other Friday.