A CALL has gone out to recruit more befrienders to support young people with autism.

Bury Council is looking for people who can make a difference to the life of a family affected by the condition.

Volunteers can spend a few hours a week supporting young people with autism in their family home or helping them access social and leisure activities.

The council's children's disabilities team launched the scheme in partnership with the National Autistic Society in September. Ten people were successfully recruited on completion of their voluntary work, many continued and are now linked to families.

These befrienders play a vital role in making a difference to the lives of young people in Bury.

People with autism generally find difficulty in developing social skills and this can leave them leading very lonely, isolated lives. The scheme, funded by the Children's Fund, recruits and prepares its volunteers to deal with difficult situations and teaches them how to support families and young people with autism.

Befrienders are not required or expected to be experts in autism as the scheme provides all volunteers with training and support. The scheme requires people who are reliable, dependable and willing to learn. They should show empathy and understanding towards individuals and their families.

David Scowcroft, the council's volunteers co-ordinator, said: "The Befriender scheme is a fun, flexible volunteering opportunity which will give volunteers new skills and a feeling that their work is valued and beneficial."

The scheme will refund volunteers travelling expenses, and can be used to gain recognition through the Millennium Volunteers and the Duke of Edinburgh Award schemes.

The next training for volunteers wishing to befriend will take place on Tuesday evenings during March at the Seedfield Centre.

Families affected by autism may be able to access the service if they live in the Bury area, and have a child with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder between the ages of five and 13.

Anyone seeking further details about the scheme should contact Mr Scowcroft on (0161) 253 6418.