About Us
The Friendship Circle of Elstree & Borehamwood is part of the International Friendship Circle Programme. It was founded on the idea that each child, regardless of his or her challenges, deserves a circle of friends! Through the Friendship Circle, we aim to create a more inclusive community for children with special needs, one that sees the similarities rather than the differences in each and every one of us….
…we are here to build friendships!
At the heart of the SENsory Sunday Circle Programme, which will take place monthly at the Jewish Life Centre, children with additional needs will be paired with a specially trained teenage buddy, who will engage with kindness and friendship. These friendships will benefit the children by strengthening their identity, self esteem and sense of belonging within the community. SEnsory Sunday will include sensory activities, interactive play, some cooking and baking activities and of course lots of music and fun all around!
Check out the upcoming dates of SENsory Sunday, and register to join – we would love to see you there!
The room is divided in different activity & sensory areas, to ensure an environment of stimulation and balance for each unique child. Each session will have 4-5 of the zones.
- Quiet Light Zone – Dive into a world of textures and lights in our sensory tent specially designed to engage and stimulate the senses.
- Active Zone – Jump, bounce, spin, encouraging motor skills and letting out the energy!
- Sensory Zone – Textures, slime and all the feels to get gooey and messy with the sensory activities.
- Art Zone – Paints and different textures to let your creativity run wild!
- STEM Zone – the older children can use different materials to create and explore.
- Cooking Zone – Let your little chef explore with food, textures, tastes.
- Music Zone – Instruments and sounds to tap in to the beat!
We are so excited to see you and join in for the fun!
Book as soon as possible so we can make sure we have a teen buddy to give special positive attention to your child.
This session we can accommodate limited children, so please book early to avoid disappointment!
SENsory Sunday
Brady Teen Club
New! The Brady club is a joint club with Friendship Circle and Kishaon Langdon. The club welcomes teens in a relaxed and welcoming environment with games, lego and various activities.
Friends@Home
Friends@Home gives children with additional needs the chance to build a special friendship with a teen buddy, all in the comfort of their own home.
Together, they can bake, play games, get creative with arts and crafts, read books and more. Each weekly playdate is shaped around your child’s interests and pace, at a time that works for your family.
Having a buddy who comes just to spend time with them, to listen, laugh and share in the things they love, can help children feel valued, grow in confidence and feel more comfortable connecting with others. With each visit, that familiar face becomes a friend, bringing smiles and something special to look forward to.
For parents, these visits also offer some welcome respite: a little breathing space while your child enjoys fun, friendship and individual attention.
Register your child, and we’ll be in touch to arrange an initial home visit with Fran and Joanna. We’ll get to know your family, discuss your child’s interests and needs, talk through our safety guidance and explore how Friends@Home can work for you.
Teen Volunteering Opportunites
Being a volunteer at the Friendship Circle is the most amazing and rewarding opportunity for girls and boys in Year 9 and older!
Every volunteer must attend at least one training session which will take place each term to learn and develop skills and resources on becoming a friend to a child with additional needs.
Jo Gordon, a highly specialist Speech and Language Therapist with expertise dealing with children with special needs will lead the training.
Each teen volunteer will be able to chose to commit to volunteering weekly for the Friends@Home programme, or monthly with the SENsory Sunday programme. You will be a child’s special friend, to do fun activities together, play games and bring lots of smiles and laughter!
Volunteering at the Friendship Circle wil give you volunteering hours for DofE or many other programmes. It is a great asset to your CV or when applying for universities.
Please email [email protected] to book on the next training session
The Vision
Inclusivity
Creating an inclusive community where everyone is seen as equal and feels valued.
Purpose
Having a sense of purpose and giving of your time in a meaningful way each week.
Friendship
Creating meaningful friendships in a nurturing and fun environment.
For any questions for the Friendship Circle please contact Lauren who will direct you accordingly – [email protected]
