Supported Volunteers

One of the big challenges facing people with autism or learning disabilities, living in the community, is finding a way to be part of that community. The community can be unpredictable and unnerving if you have difficulties processing sensory input. Most of the simple things like going to a cafe or visiting a sports centre can be overwhelming and could tip someone into such a state of sensory confusion that all pleasure from the activity is gone.

Bird Aid invites people to meet each week in a safe environment in a rural area of Hailsham.

Our team build trusting relationships by using intensive interaction in a tailored way to support their engagement and connections with others. In doing this, we aim to make an unpredictable environment more predictable, whilst also gently extending their personal boundaries.

Bird Aid offers a chance for people to find their feet out of their safe home environment and the opportunity to become more aware of other people and develop relationships and friendships with people they wouldn't normally meet. We see it as a step in the journey towards being able to safely and confidently access the opportunities the community offers all of us.

Since opening our shop in Hailsham Town Centre, we now have even more opportunities for work experience. As well as volunteering we have regular social events and last year took 12 young people on a supported holiday to Isle of Wight. We have worked with local special needs schools and colleges and are fully ASPIRE approved. 

We have now opened our Community Stop as a community cafe where we offer activity in  hospitality

To find out more pleaser email contact@birdaid.co.uk.