Friendships, relationships and the community

All young people benefit if they have a strong network of people that they can go into adulthood with. 

For young people with SEND, this is especially important. 

Having friendships and relationships can help you to access the community, and feel safe and confident.

Most people develop friendships with people in school who are a similar age, or people that live close by. 

As you get older and become more independent, it is important that you keep up with friendships and find ways to make new friends and contacts. 

Support to make and keep friendships

It is important to recognise anything that is stopping you from making and keeping friends, so strategies can be put in place to help you.

You can ask for support if you are struggling.

You should be part of planning how this will be done.

You might like to:

• think about what you enjoy doing in your free time 
• find out from others what they like to do in their free time 
• find activities and social groups you can join  

If you have an Education Health and Care Plan this should be included in Section E of your plan.

If you need financial support to pay for activities and you are eligible you can: 

• use your benefits
• use your Personal Budget