Maggie Hughes, manager of the Befriender Scheme, a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, made a presentation about the work of the scheme to the members of the Newton Aycliffe Rotary Club on Tuesday 23rd July.

Using three examples of scheme users, she explained who the scheme helps and the benefits it brings to users, carers and the wider community.  One such client is Brian who loves fire engines and was the happiest man in County Durham the day his befriender arranged a private visit to the new Bishop Auckland Fire Station! Maggie told the members of the club that the best thing they could do to support The Befriender Scheme was to spread the word about the work they do to potential clients and their carers or to people who might become befrienders.

She thanked them for the opportunity to come and speak to them and for their kind hospitality.