A new, innovative “Buddies Project”, spearheaded by Bild, the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN), and Reach Out, has been introduced to connect individuals with learning disabilities and autism in mental health hospitals with mentors who have personal experience of inpatient care.

So far, 24 people have been paired with buddies, offering vital support and companionship to those in isolation. Kirsten, a Buddy Coordinator, highlights the project's value in reducing loneliness among patients, whose main interactions are often with hospital staff. The project facilitates connections with buddies who share similar experiences, offering unbiased and non-judgmental support.

The process involves mental health ward staff identifying patients under heavy restrictions for pairing with a buddy. Scheduled online meetings allow patients to discuss anything from personal interests to life in the hospital, empowering them to control the conversation.

The scheme has been praised for creating meaningful friendships and providing participants with hope and a reason to look forward to each day. Currently limited to the West Midlands, there are hopes to expand the project nationally, recognising its potential to reintegrate patients into their communities. Bild's CEO, Ben Higgins, emphasises the project's success and the aspiration to secure future funding to continue its expansion beyond March 2024.