July 30th marks International Friendship Day on our calendar — a lovely opportunity to celebrate the friendships and connections that brighten our days. At The Fifth Trust, we often talk about how our services create opportunities for skill-building, confidence and mental wellbeing. A fundamental part of that wellbeing is having the chance to share meaningful social connection with other students, our team and the customers who visit our social enterprises.
Having an active social life can help people with a learning disability to feel happier, included and valued. In a survey by Sense, over half of disabled people reported feeling lonely, rising to over three quarters (77%) for those aged 18-34 (Sense 2017).
Students’ experiences indicate that the Fifth Trust not only reduces social isolation but also empowers individuals to develop new skills and build confidence. Importantly, the emotional attachment some students expressed toward the Fifth Trust could further underscore its value.
One of the most prominent themes to emerge across students was social inclusion and the development of friendships since attending the Fifth Trust. Many students described the Fifth Trust in ways that made it evident they felt connected, supported, and valued.
Students highlighted the importance of friendships formed through the enrichment activities themselves. Several noted they had limited friendships prior to attending Fifth Trust but now enjoyed new friendships that helped to potentially reduce loneliness:
“I never really had friends in the past before I came here. Now I do […] I make friends at horticulture” (student 10)
“I don’t see my friends from college anymore, and I used to feel lonely. You get to know the new students that come in here when you’re doing activities, they are my new friends now” (student 5)
“I met [name redacted] on my first day when I came here 15 years ago, they’re my best friend now” (student 8)
(Jewell, H., Evans, C. & Oliver, D. (2025). Tizard Centre, University of Kent.)
