Meaningful Friendships

Sam wanted to form some meaningful friendships with people around his age and who share the same hobbies as him. He loves to tell jokes and is really passionate about anything technology related. He is a whiz with computers and phones.

Sam has autism and can find it difficult to understand social cues, meaning that meeting new people can sometimes be more challenging for him. The last year of lockdown has impacted opportunities for Sam to work on his social skills face to face, so he is very keen to make the most of opportunities as restrictions lift and meet like minded people.

Throughout lockdown, Sam kept in touch with people supported by Surrey Choices but hadn’t had the chance to meet up with them yet. He was supported by colleague Peter Turner, to ask one of his friends he met through Digital Choices to meet up in person and go for lunch together.

Sam reached out to his friend Jack, asking him for his mobile number so they could communicate via messenger. Together, Sam and Jack decided to meet up at Wetherspoons in Guildford and were both really excited to meet one another.

On the day of meeting Jack, staff supported Sam to sign into the NHS track and trace app so he could check in at Wetherspoons, as well as order food and drinks via the ordering app.

Sam and Jack had a great time together. They learnt more about each other, their interests and have since planned their next catch up. “Sam is becoming more confident in the community, he has begun to meet new people which has been improving his social skills.” – Peter Turner, Activity Facilitator