Friends Action North East

Friends Action North East (FANE) is a Newcastle based registered charity that was set up in 2005 by and for adults with a learning disability to explore inclusive ways to support and champion independent friendships. After registering as a charity in 2007 FANE has gone on to support over 1000 people with a learning disability, and autistic spectrum disorder to combat social isolation by gaining the skills, knowledge and experience needed to build and maintain meaningful and lasting friendships.
Loneliness and social isolation affect millions of people and people with learning disabilities and autism are often most at risk of suffering the effects of this, including poor physical and mental health, greater risk of abuse, and exclusion from community activities. FANE tackles these issues by enabling some of the most vulnerable members of society to become happier, healthier, safer, and more included within their local communities.