Side by Side

10/05/2024

A short video showing the benefits of peer support

Peer Support is a great method of delivering and receiving support, which is often overlooked. This video covers some of the benefits

28/02/2024

We now have an updated flyer for Side by Side.
Feel free to share amongst your networks

13/02/2024

If you are a parent or sibling that cares for an adult (16+) with a learning disability or autism, sometimes a single phone call to another parent with first-hand experience can be a huge benefit.

At Side by Side, we facilitate conversations between parents and our team of peer supporters, who can support you by sharing their experiences, what to expect during times of change and what worked for them.
A single phone call, ongoing weekly support, 1:1 or a group session, we deliver support that is flexible to suit your needs.

For more information, please visit https://www.familiesinfocusessex.org.uk/services/peer-support/
or contact Matt for an informal chat on 07749 706639 or
sidebyside@fifessex.org.uk

01/02/2024

Since it's launch, Side by Side has only offered 1:1 support between a family and one of our fantastic peer supporters. Due to an increase in demand for our service, we are pleased to announce that Side by Side held it's first group session last night and was well attended by three participants, who all said they found the group discussion really beneficial.
Of course, the first session is always tentative so we are hoping to secure a few more attendees for future sessions.

If you wish to attend any future group sessions, they are only available to families registered with Side by Side. You can do this by visiting our webpage:

A peer support service across the county for families caring for a family member (adult or young person, over the age of 18) with a Learning Disability (LD) or Autism.

24/01/2024

Do you ever think "I wish I knew then, what I know now"?

The experience you have gained is invaluable to other families that are in times of need. Have you ever wanted to give back and provide support to families that you wish was available to you back when you needed it most?

If you are able to volunteer only 30 minutes a week, consider becoming a peer supporter for Side by Side!
- Provide informal support over the phone or over video call.
- Call are arranged at your convenience, ranging from 15 - 45 minutes.
- Feel good by helping families in need and giving them the confidence and resilience to move forward.

If the above sounds appealing and you have experience of supporting, or caring for, an adult family member with a learning disability and/or autism, we would love to hear from you.
Please visit:
https://www.familiesinfocusessex.org.uk/services/peer-support/
for more information and contact details.

12/01/2024

We are always looking for more peer supporters to help at Side by Side. If you have an adult son/daughter with a learning disability or autism, and want to offer phone support to other families who are struggling on their journey, please do get in touch to find out more information (details in flyer below).

We are especially looking for any parents with an adult daughter with a learning disability and/or autism.

04/01/2024

We hope you all had a lovely festive holiday and new year.

Share any weird, wonderful and funny new years resolutions in the comment section below! 😁

22/12/2023

Welcome to the new page for Side by Side!

Here we will be posting all of our updates and news related to Side by Side and the peer support it offers.

We are excited to see what 2024 brings for the project and all of the families we can support.