Video released to help the vulnerable recognise exploitation in their friendships

A short video has been released to help people with disabilities recognise a good friendship and prevent them from being exploited by others.

The video is called Tricky Friends and is a short, animated film that has been developed to help people understand the differences between good friendships and apparent friendships that might actually be harmful.

Commissioned by Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board (NSAB), the film premièred this week.

The newly appointed chair of the Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board, Heather Roach, said: “Over the last few years, NSAB have had a number of discussions with groups and organisations in Norfolk who support people with learning disabilities and autism, about how to raise awareness of issues like exploitation, County Lines and cuckooing.

“It is important that people with learning disabilities and autism, those who have cognitive difficulties, and also children and young adults, have positive opportunities to make and maintain friendships.

"We want to help them to do this, to reduce the risk of harm and exploitation in groups who may be less able to recognise the intentions of others.”

Ryan Hardy, member of the Norfolk All-age Autism Partnership said: “I believe this video is a great step in the right direction of enabling autistic people to have a voice and for those who are most vulnerable to know when to speak out. I recommend that anyone who knows an autistic person watches this fantastic video. There is so much to learn and be aware of, this video has the potential to bring about some real good.”

NSAB hope this animation will be used to help people to think about the issues, to start conversations with their genuine friends, and to keep them safer while enjoying friendships.

Tricky Friends is just over three minutes long and can be used with or by anyone - carers, family, organisations, schools or groups.

The video will be available to view via NSAB’s new website, to view it click here.