The 'MacIntyre Great Communities Friendship Group’ was launched by Molly (who is supported by MacIntyre's Great Communities Project) in 2018 as a way of combating social isolation among people with learning disabilities and autism in Warrington.
The Friendship Group began as a way for Molly to make new friends and connect with other people with learning disabilities and/or autism who find it difficult to form new relationships. Molly's bravery and desire to reach out to others in a similar situation, despite her initial anxiety, are admirable.
Since then the group has grown in connections and friendships and although there have been difficult periods, that being the global pandemic, Molly ensured that The Friendship Group continued during lockdown via Zoom. The transition to an online space had allowed for many more new members to join while also encouraging existing members to improve their digital skills.
With restrictions being eased, the group were able to introduce the first (of many) walk and talk Friendship Group, face to face sessions at the Blooming Art studio in April this year and most recently enjoyed a fun bowling trip at Super Bowl in Golden Square.
