Befriending and Role Models

Our Befriending and Role Models service offers supportive, reliable relationships for deaf, disabled and elderly people who may otherwise feel isolated or unsure how to take their next steps in life.

Building confidence through connection

Sometimes the best support comes from someone who truly understands. Our Befriending and Role Models service connects you with people who have lived experience of disability or similar challenges – individuals who can listen, relate, and offer genuine encouragement from a place of understanding.

Through regular contact, friendship and guidance, we help you build confidence, develop new skills, and take positive steps towards greater independence and wellbeing.

What are some of the benefits of befriending or role models?

Understanding Support

Be paired with someone who truly understands your experiences and can offer empathy, encouragement and practical advice.

Increased Confidence

Build self-esteem through positive relationships that celebrate your achievements and strengths.

Reduced Isolation

Enjoy regular contact and companionship that helps you feel connected and part of your community.

Personal Growth

Learn new life skills, develop routines and gain independence with support that adapts to your goals.

A man and woman having a conversation and review

Positive Role Models

Be inspired by people who’ve overcome similar challenges and can show what’s possible with the right support.

We're a trusted supplier and part of the Plymouth City Council Supported Living Framework

We’re proud to be an approved supplier under the Supported Living Framework set out by Plymouth City Council and the Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group.

This means  our services meet rigorous local authority standards for quality, safety and person-centred care.

This partnership ensures that whether you’re receiving support at home or in the community, you have access to a trusted provider with the systems, experience and accountability that deliver real independence, dignity and choice.

Who is the service for?

For deaf and disabled people

At Complete Independence, we have an amazing support team who are here to talk, laugh and build lasting friendships with you. As a deaf or disabled person, it can sometimes feel isolating and lonely if you do not feel you have anyone to talk to, or do not have access to social events and groups. That is why we offer our befriending and role model service where you can have some regular company.

For elderly people

Here at Complete Independence, we believe that everyone should be able to lead full and independent lives, no matter their age.

No one should feel lonely or isolated, which is why we offer a befriending service. Whether it’s a phone call for you to talk over the events of your day or a face-to-face meet-up with one of our team members, we are here to help you live your life to the fullest.

Our Role Models help develop essential life skills

Our team works alongside our clients to guide them through their transition into adult life, helping them with employment and training opportunities, life skills and building strong and healthy relationships with themselves and others.

They come from diverse backgrounds and have a wide range of experiences and expertise. From educators and counsellors to professionals with lived experiences of disability, they bring unique perspectives that resonate with young deaf and disabled individuals, fostering meaningful connections and providing tailored support.

What we can support you with

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Developing life skills, e.g. budgeting and financial matters

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Travelling

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Managing appointments

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Domestic duties

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Education and career

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Social events

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Managing emotion

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Managing paperwork and correspondence

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Family support

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Structure and routines

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Making important decisions and life choices

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The transition from school or college to work

We believe true independence starts with choice and control

We take the time to understand what’s important to you and how best to make it happen.

We also work closely with families, local authorities and other professionals to ensure your support remains joined-up, transparent and effective.

Single point of contact

Say goodbye to the hassle of dealing with multiple providers. Our dedicated team will be your go-to resource for all your support needs. With just one point of contact, the days of stressful support management are over.

Years of expertise

We’ve combined the expertise of educational, professional and personal support into a cohesive, efficient package, ensuring that you get the most out of your benefits.

Friendly Team

Our friendly team is here to listen, understand your unique needs, and tailor our support to suit you best. We guarantee that there will always be a friendly member of the team at the end of the phone

The Complete Independence team having a meeting

Safety and security

We operate under the ISO 9001 accreditation, meaning all of our practices are of the highest quality, ensuring security for all of our clients. We are also currently working towards achieving the ISO 27001.

Our Expertise in Deaf Support

We’re proud to be part of The Inclusivity Group, home to specialists in deaf communication and accessibility.

Through our sister company Complete Communication, we bring unparalleled expertise in supporting deaf people, ensuring communication is always clear, respectful and fully inclusive.

Our team includes qualified BSL/English interpreters, communication support workers, and staff trained in deaf awareness. This means we can adapt every aspect of our service, from initial contact to ongoing support, to meet your communication preferences.

Whether you use BSL, spoken English, lipreading or a combination, we’ll make sure you’re fully included, informed and empowered in every decision about your support.

Get in touch

Contact our friendly team by phone, email or through our online referral form to tell us a little about the support you’re looking for.

Understanding your needs

We’ll talk with you, or your social worker if you have one, to understand your goals, preferences and the type of support that would suit you best.

Review and proposal

Our team will review your requirements and get back to you with a clear outline of how we can help, including the services we recommend.

Meet and discuss

If it’s a good fit, we’ll arrange a visit to meet you (and your social worker if applicable) to discuss how we work and what your support could look like in practice.

Setting up your support

Once funding is agreed, we’ll allocate a dedicated support worker to you and get your service up and running.

Ongoing check-ins

We’ll carry out regular reviews and check-ins to make sure the support remains right for you and continues to meet your needs.

Supporting your independence

With the right support in place, you’ll have the confidence and freedom to thrive — and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

What the booking journey looks like

Funding options

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Direct payments

The direct payments scheme is a UK Government initiative that allows you to receive a personal budget from your council to help you pay for the care and support you need day-to-day.

Direct Payments give you greater flexibility and control over your care, letting you arrange support yourself instead of through your local council. You can employ a personal assistant or commission services directly, giving you full responsibility for how your support is delivered.

The scheme is available in England, Scotland and Wales for anyone over 16 who has been assessed by social services. Payments can be used for services, equipment or activities that meet your social care needs.

At Complete Independence, we can help you manage your support, timesheets and administration, making the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

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Private funding

All of our services can be funded privately. To discuss a bespoke package or to find out more about our costings, please get in touch.

Our experienced team can discuss possible funding options with you, as well as provide information on how private funding may look in practicality.

Social Services

All of our services can be funded privately. To discuss a bespoke package or to find out more about our costings, please get in touch.

Exactly how much your council will pay depends on what care you need and how much you can afford to pay.

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Continuing Healthcare Funding

Some people with complex support needs which include significant healthcare needs, may qualify for funding from their local Health Authority.

To qualify for Continuing Health Care funding, the person must meet certain criteria, and this is usually jointly assessed by a Social Worker/Health Care Professional.

Access to Work funding

Access to Work

Access to Work is a UK Government scheme that funds practical support, adjustments or equipment for Disabled and neurodivergent people in work or self-employment.

We can help you apply for and manage your support, making sure your workplace adjustments are in place and working effectively.

Disabled Students’ Allowance

Disabled Students’ Allowance provides funding for Disabled and neurodivergent students in higher education, helping cover the cost of specialist equipment, support workers, mentoring, or study-related adjustments.

We can provide DSA-funded support such as notetaking, mentoring and communication assistance through our experienced and qualified team.

What people say about our service

Start your journey with Complete Independence today

If you are interested but want to know more, why not book a free consultation with a member of our team?

Please complete this form, and a member of the team will be in touch.

Communication services

Complete Communication provides professional communication support services and accessibility solutions including BSL Interpreting and Translating.

Inclusive training services

Complete Training provides courses for accessible skills – grow your skills with a training team with decades of experience in accessible workplaces.

Looking for communication or training services?

BSL Translation coming soon

We want our website to be as accessible as possible, so our team is busily editing a BSL video for this section.