Let’s Stop Autism and Isolation Being Normal
Could you be the person who helps someone feel connected to the outside world?
Lifeworks Staffordshire is looking for compassionate, friendly volunteers aged 18+ to become Befrienders for autistic adults who are often isolated in their communities.
Many of our clients are bright and capable but experience isolation and poor mental health due to difficulties with social interaction and interpretation.
Around 20% of Lifeworks’ 850+ clients would have no contact with the outside world without our support
Around 10% cannot leave their homes without assistance
One client had not left their home for 8 years before being supported — they now enjoy weekly trips to the shops with a befriender
Some meet for a weekly chat in a café, others go for short walks, and for some, a 15–60 minute phone or video call makes a life‑changing difference
The Befriending Role
As a Befriender, you will:
Engage with a client on a regular weekly basis
Meet for a chat, a cuppa, a walk — or connect by phone or video call
Support social interaction and mental wellbeing
Listen to what matters to the client
Help identify issues and report back to the Lifeworks team
You’ll be:
Introduced to your client to ensure a good match
Given training and a mentor
Able to choose a day and time that suits both you and your client
Location: North Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands
Travel and reasonable role expenses are paid
About Lifeworks Staffordshire
Lifeworks Staffordshire is a charity supporting marginalised people aged 14+ in North Staffordshire with:
Autism
ADHD
Dyspraxia
Tourette’s Syndrome
Most of our clients also experience mental ill health. We support both individuals and their carers through:
Advocacy (social interpretation)
One‑to‑one appointments
Life coaching
Activities and drop‑ins
Carers’ groups
Befriending
Established in 2006, we now support 850+ clients and 330 carers.
What Our Volunteers Say
“Volunteering has helped my confidence and wellbeing. Lifeworks is like a big family and supporting others is very rewarding.”
“It’s rebuilding my self‑esteem and helping me realise I still have useful skills. It feels good to be reliable and there for someone.”
“Volunteering for Lifeworks has given me experience and a real feeling of self‑worth.”
A short conversation, a walk, or a weekly call can seriously improve someone’s life.
If you want to help stop isolation and support autistic people to feel part of the community, we would love to hear from you.