For Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the incredible people who give their time to support autistic adults across the West Midlands.
Pete has been volunteering with Autism West Midlands for almost a decade and has been part of the Walsall Befriending Service for nearly seven years. As a volunteer at the monthly evening discussion group, Pete helps create a welcoming and supportive space where autistic adults can connect, share experiences and build confidence.
We spoke to Pete about his volunteering journey, what he enjoys most about the role, and why he believes community spaces like the Walsall Befriending Service are so important.
How long have you been volunteering with the Walsall Befriending Service, and what first inspired you to get involved?
I started helping out with the West Bromwich group at Christmas 2016. I’d been doing that for 2 1/2 years when there was a need for a volunteer with Walsall. The people at the charity asked if I wanted to help out with Walsall and of course I didn’t need asking twice!
So I’ve been involved with the Walsall group for almost 7 years, and been volunteering with the charity for 9.5 years.
My involvement with the group started when a friend who used the service had been invited to a meal at the Toby Carvery. He was a little anxious about going by himself so asked me to go with him. I went and really enjoyed the company and chatting to other group members and AWM staff. One of the full time members of staff told me they like the way I interacted with the Group Members and asked if I had thought about volunteering.
The rest, as they say……..
Can you tell us a little about your role within the evening discussion group sessions?
I like to think I listen and encourage. Sometimes we see group members, particularly new group members a little anxious and apprehensive about speaking. I try to encourage without pressuring. I will then thank them and give some positive feedback that their contribution was valid, relevant, very much appreciated. It really is amazing to see people who were previously nervous and anxious growing in confidence with every passing week.
When people tell us about a challenge they have overcome I always offer them a ‘well done’ and ‘congratulations’ I think together the group is amazing at helping and supporting each other through challenging times. I contribute to this process I think, but it has to be said this is always an amazing team effort!
I also try to inject a bit of humour when the time is right…. although I’m sure staff members and group members alike will tell you my jokes leave a lot to be desired ha ha.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Autism West Midlands?
Without doubt it’s when we see people who sit in silence, closed body language and visibly nervous growing in confidence with every passing week. We have Group Members in Walsall who have really come out of their shell and are really confident in chatting with and supporting/ encouraging other group members. I absolutely love this!!
My favorite favourite with both Walsall and West Bromwich is ‘show and tell’. This is where people tell us about their hobbies and interests. Group members will bring in the fruits of their creative talents. We have an army of crocheters (is that the right word?), musicians, artists, linguists, arts and crafters, and every other type of creative genius you can think of at Autism West Midlands.
Over the last 10+ years, what changes or growth have you seen within the service?
GREAT Question! – I think it’s the age range and diversity of the people.
My first trip with the group it was primarily people in their 20s. Today we welcome and celebrate people of all ages and many ethnicities. We have parents and even grandparents who all contribute and make the groups much richer for their presence.
I also think the structure of the meetings has changed. In the beginning we just sat around a table and chatted. Today – there is always a specific topic to speak about, we always have an activity of some description.
Why do you think spaces like the evening discussion group are important for autistic adults?
I think they are absolutely invaluable to the mental well being of our Group Members.
Often we hear people talking about friends/ family/ colleagues/ strangers simply not being able to comprehend the every day challenges face by autistic people. The fluorescent lights in a shop, the clattering plates in a restaurant, the crowds of people pushing and shoving as we get on and off a bus can be so challenging for an autistic person, that a neuro typical person does not understand.
I think a space were people can talk about shared experiences with people who have the same experiences is helpful and therapeutic. It gives group members a reassurance that they are not the only one. It’s always an open and safe space, Group Members have told me countless times that they would not be able to share their anxieties and worries without those outside of the group. And as we all know talking and airing our worries is invaluable as we all try to take care of our mental health.
In a few words, how would you describe the Walsall Befriending Service community?
There is one word we always use in the group. TENACITY.
I can say honestly with my hand on my heart that the group members in Autism West Midlands are the most tenacious collective of people I have ever met. Everyone faces challenges every day. Yet no one knows when they are beaten, and no one sits their feeling sorry for themselves or expecting sympathy. We talk about our problems, and the people ALWAYS come out the other side a stronger person. Without exception, our members offer the most amazing help and support each other through these challenging times.
In my time at Autism West Midlands, I’ve listened to people who overcome being bullied at work, neighbours from hell, losing custody of kids, redundancies, severe financial hardship, family bereavement…. and without exception people have helped each other through and everyone comes out stronger for it.
I draw such strength and inspiration from our amazing group members!!
