We were founded by carers in 1990, and our befriending projects improve the quality of life of socially excluded children (aged 8+), young people and adults with learning disabilities, overcoming social barriers and lack of opportunity and giving respite to family carers.
Currently 245 members (of the 300 total) are being supported by 200 peer-age volunteers, including around 70 of school-age. Under supervision of staff they nurture friendships, provide opportunities and improve wellbeing, confidence & social skills. Our support is longterm and sustained throughout transitions. It is also excellent preparation for employment and independent living and provides regular respite for around 290 family carers.
Our service model has developed through co-production with families and members and is unique for its variety and the numbers it supports. It currently includes 50 traditional 1:1 links and 305 member places in 38 befriending groups. Groups meet in community venues, schools and on Zoom, and activities are similar to mainstream youth and social groups, including arts & crafts, drama, film, gardening, music, cookery, keep fit, games, outdoor adventures and overnight trips.
Our service is delivered through four local projects (Berwickshire, Central Borders, Roxburgh and Tweeddale) each with its own staff and local committee of stakeholders. They work with schools, Borders College, Social Work and care providers to reach as many members as possible. Volunteers are PVG checked, trained (including adult and child protection) & supported by staff.
The need for the service
Our members have a lifelong condition that affects their development and means they need help to understand information, learn skills and live independently. Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome & Autism are often involved, with high accompanying levels of epilepsy & sensory impairment.
They are socially excluded throughout their lives: Most are taught in additional needs units and lack opportunities for friendships and activities that are crucial to wellbeing and achieving their full potential: Only around 1% of people with learning disabilities have a partner in adult life and 5% a job. They are at risk if they go into the community on their own and there are almost no mainstream community activities they can access.
Family carers have a role which is difficult to sustain, isolating, reduces their opportunities, affects their wellbeing and makes them twice as likely to live in poverty.
The need for community involvement, friendships and activities that are fun and enable personal growth is consistently expressed by the members, families and care professionals we work with and is well-recognised in academic studies & government strategies.
Berwickshire Activities 2023-24
In the 12 months to the end of June 2024 the branch supported 64 members with learning disabilities, up from 60 the previous year.
- We now have 82 member places in 10 befriending groups (compared with 66 places in 9 groups a year ago). 1:1 links were up slightly from 14 to 15 and 14 members had both a 1:1 link and a group, or were in more than one group.
- 70 family carers enjoyed short break respite (60 last year).
- Branch Co-ordinators Kate Borthwick (Youth) Angela Laidlaw (Adults) deliver the service, along with sessional workers, tutors and 40 volunteers.
Two new fortnightly groups were started: a New Age Kurling club in Kelso with 13 members (many of whom we already support) and a general social group in Eyemouth with 6 new members aged 20-38.
See a breakdown of Berwickshire groups and 1:1 links.
Highlights of the year included:
- Summer Trips for the youth groups in July 2023
- Our Friendship Day in October 2023
- In November 2023 Interest Link won the Community Youth Provision category in the Inspire Awards, recognising the impact and outstanding contributions of young people.
- Here Our Voice, a Joint Drama production with Borders Youth Theatre in Jan-March 2024.
- Almost 200 people took part in our second Charmian Challenge fun run in April 2024. Held in memory of former director Charmian Ledsham, it was covered on ITV news.
- In May 2024 we ran an overnight trip to Haggerston Castle (see video & photoreport). This was a joint trip between branches, ensuring new friends were made.
A massive vote of thanks goes to all our amazing volunteers and our funders over the last year: our work would not be possible without their fantastic support.
| Berwickshire Outcomes at a Glance |
June 2024 Berwickshire Survey
We surveyed supported members, family carers, volunteers, tutors and care professionals in June 2024, using accessible questionnaires deployed face-to-face, online and by telephone and post.
| Response rates | Members | Family carers | Volunteers | |||
| 46% | 48% | 42% | ||||
| Main Outcomes: | ||||||
| Impact on Members | More Friends | More opportunities | Greater Happiness | Improved Confidence | Increased Self-esteem | Better Social Skills |
| Reported by Themselves | 97% | 100% | 100% | 94% | 100% | 100% |
| Reported by Carers | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Reported by Volunteers | 94% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | |
| Impact on Family Carers | More Opportunities Outside Caring | Eased or More Sustainable Caring Role | Greater Wellbeing | |||
| Reported by Themselves | 95% | 100% | 100% | |||
| Reported by Social Care Professionals | 85% | 95% | 95% | |||
| Impact on Volunteers | Increased LD Awareness | More confidence with people with Learning Disabilities | ||||
| Reported by Themselves | 93% | 93% | ||||
| Other responses: | Members | Family carers | Volunteers | Social Care Professionals | ||
| Service still needed | 100% | 100% | 100% | |||
| Feel valued & supported by Interest Link | 100% | 100% | ||||
| Volunteering has met hopes and expectations | 100% | |||||
| Safe & Professional Service | 100% |
