Friendships, relationships and the community
Overview
Friendships, relationships and being part of the community are important to anyone's quality of life.
All people with or without SEND have the right to choose to:
- Have relationships
- Become parents
- Be included in community spaces
- Be included in social groups
Friendships and relationships
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
Activities in the community
All young people in South Tyneside should feel included in their local community.
There are lots of activities in the local area you can take part in.
See universal social and leisure opportunities
Some organisations and services run activities specifically for young people with SEND.
See SEND social and leisure opportunities
Short breaks
If you are under 18, and family members help to care for you, you may be eligible to a short break.
This is a time when you will be away from your family carers, and spend time at an activity that you enjoy doing.
Short breaks may be for an hour, overnight or for a number of days, depending on your needs and the needs of those who care for you.
See short breaks.
Help with costs
Personal Budget
If you are eligible for financial support, you may be able to have this paid as a Personal Budget.
Personal Budgets give you with more choice and flexibility over the care and support that you receive.
See Personal budgets.
Get Active Discount Cards
Get Active discount cards give discounted entry to leisure centres in South Tyneside.
See South Tyneside Council: Get Active discount cards.
Max Cards
Max Cards offer free or discounted entry to venues across the UK.
See Max Cards.
Staying safe
All young people have the right to feel safe and secure in the community.
There are things that you can do to help you feel safe and supported:
- Plan where you are going and how you will get there
- Take a mobile phone if you have one and make sure that it is charged
- If you don't have a mobile phone, make sure you take the number of someone you trust with you
- Keep a small amount of change with you so that you can make a phone call from a public phone
- Keep all personal belongings such as your keys, purse / wallet and phone in safe place such as a bag or your pocket
- Only take the amount of money you think you will need, and keep some in your purse / wallet and some in your pocket
- Tell someone you trust where you are going and when you expect to be back
- If you can, go out with a friend or someone you trust
Safe places
A safe place is a shop or building that you can go to if you feel you are unsafe or need some support.
Find out more about safe places.
Healthy relationships
Relationships and sex are an important part of everyone's life, including for those with SEND.
Healthy relationships make you feel good about yourself.
You know you can trust the other person and they will treat you with kindness and respect.
Some relationships are not good, they can make you feel uncomfortable, unhappy or even scared.
This can happen online and in person.
If you are uncomfortable or worried about a relationship you have, you can speak to someone you trust, or you can contact a confidential service that provides support and guidance.
Find out more about healthy relationships:
Safe sex
Sex can be great, and it can also lead to big consequences for your health and wellbeing.
It is important that you practice safe sex, and take measures to prevent unplanned pregnancy.
It is a good idea to get regularly tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections.
South Tyneside's Sexual Health Service offers confidential advice and support about sexual health, contraception and pregnancy for young people aged over 14.
Online safety
Using mobile phones, social media and the internet can help you stay in touch with your friends and family when you can't see them in person.
You can also use the internet to find information and advice online.
Unfortunately, they can also make it easier for bullies and other people who might want to hurt you to get close to you.
It is really important that you know how to stay safe on your mobile phone, social media and the internet.
Find out more about staying safe online and who to contact if you are worried about yourself or someone you care for.
Safeguarding
South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Partnership
The South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Partnership oversees and co-ordinates the work carried out in South Tyneside to keep children safe.
See South Tyneside Safeguarding Children Partnership.
South Tyneside Safeguarding Adults Board
The South Tyneside Safeguarding Adults Board helps to safeguard adults with care and support needs.
See: South Tyneside Safeguarding Adults Board.
NSPCC
Find out more about staying safe and keeping someone you care for safe.