Question 1

Why did we start BePeers?

Accepted Answer

There is growing scientific evidence suggesting that peer-to-peer coaching might be as - if not more - beneficial than other types of interventions. For many neurodiverse individuals, the desire to be independent and interact with others is dominant, but the skills do so might not come easily, leading to social isolation and social anxiety. 
 
Although acceptance and awareness are gaining some grounds, the problem of exclusion/marginalization from society and mainstream friendships/relationships is still a problem. Unemployment, for example, can reach 70% in the neurodiverse population.

These staggering numbers are due to 2 main things:
1) The lack of awareness of the neurotypical population, which leads to low inclusivity and opportunities
2) The different perspective the neurodiverse population has over the world, which leads to a challenging integration
 
A way to improve inclusivity, opportunities, and quality of life of the neurodivergent population would require:
1) Raising awareness in the neurotypical population
2) Explaining the perspective of the neurotypical majority to the neurodiverse
 
Although the word "coaching" might imply a hierarchical and unequal interaction, that one person in the collaborative relationship has a different, more knowledgeable status, the real focus is on the collaborative development of both parties. It isn’t and shouldn’t be perceived as a remedial activity or strategy to “fix” someone. 
 
Rather, peer coaching can be as tailored, individual, and unique as the team who undertakes it.
 
On one hand, this interaction teaches the neurotypical society what it means to think differently, how a brain can function unusually. Not abnormally, but rather uniquely, and all the advantages this uniqueness brings to the table.
And on the other hand, going through peer-coaching activities, the neurodiverse community can practice social skills, start to understand a society, which from the outside might look hostile, and equip them with the required self-confidence to stop isolating out of self-preservation.

Question 2

What is BePeers?

Accepted Answer

BePeers is an online service that enables parents, or individuals themselves, to find a peer coach based on geography, interests, goals, etc...
 
Once the peer coach is chosen, the sessions will be carried out via video call, and will include entertainment, guided discussions, games, and even social and/or life skills training.

The pair can choose to approach the sessions using a "self-determination model", where each one of them will set goals they wish to achieve, and hold each other accountable. They can keep diaries of their meetings, recordings of their games and discussions. 
 
The sessions are tailored to each person's needs. Through BePeers, they will be able to build skills, confidence and wellness, one interaction at a time.
 
BePeers is NOT a counseling platform; it's a community for those in need of a social coach, a buddy who will share their social experience with them.

Question 3

How much does BePeers cost?

Accepted Answer

When you register, you will have the possibility to interview coaches that match your requirements.
 
For our pilot/early birds (August through October 2020) - 12 sessions package
Your first 3 sessions are on us! 
For the other 9 sessions, you will receive a 36% discount rate: £72 for the 9 sessions (8£ per 30-40min session)

After October 2020
Your first 2 sessions are on us.You will then have the option of paying per hour (25£/hour), or choosing a monthly or yearly subscription model through which you will be saving 10%. You can choose the frequency and the length of the sessions.

Question 4

How can I use BePeers for myself?

Accepted Answer

1. Fill our form:
https://bepeers.typeform.com/to/ATUI6pUY  (https://bepeers.typeform.com/to/ATUI6pUY)
2. We will get back to you asking you to sign up with a username and password
3. Follow the link on our website: beepers.com > our coaches > choose a coach
4. You can now see each coach's profile, with details about them, their interests, their location, their background/education, as well as a short video.
5. You can choose to interview your coach by clicking on the option:Interview Coach. The interview will last 15min
6. Once you have chosen your coach, you can click on Book Sessions. 
7. You will choose the recurring date and time for the duration of the 12 sessions.
8. You will be asked to read and sign e-safety and a code of conduct documents. 
9. We will send you a Vectera link you can access directly by pressing on it at the date and time of your meeting.
10. At the end of the third sessions, you will be asked to pay £72 for the remaining 9 sessions.
11. Throughout the 12 sessions, we will be asking you to fill a few easy feedback forms to help us ameloriate our services.

Question 5

How can I use BePeers for my child?

Accepted Answer

1. Fill our form:
https://bepeers.typeform.com/to/ATUI6pUY  (undefined)
2. We will get back to you asking you to sign up with a username and password
3. Follow the link on our website: beepers.com > our coaches > choose a coach
4. You can now see each coach's profile, with details about them, their interests, their location, their background/education, as well as a short video.
5. You can choose to interview your child's coach by clicking on the option:Interview Coach. The interview will last 15min
6. Once you have chosen your coach, you can click on Book Sessions. 
7. You will choose the recurring date and time for the duration of the 12 sessions. 
8. You will be asked to read and sign e-safety and a code of conduct documents.
9. We will send you a Vectera link you can access directly by pressing on it at the date and time of your meeting.
10. At the end of the third sessions, you will be asked to pay £72 for the remaining 9 sessions.
11. Throughout the 12 sessions, we will be asking you to fill a few easy feedback forms to help us ameloriate our services.
12. You will have access to some material your child and their coach are working on, and the focus of the sessions and their progression.
13. You can choose to get in touch with the coach if you need to discuss anything.
14. The coach will have your contact details in case of concern/emergency.

Question 6

What kind of people are on BePeers?

Accepted Answer

Our coaches and supervisors are from diverse backgrounds. Some of them are neurotypical, others are neurodiverse. Some of them are experienced psychology students, others have different career progressions. You can choose your peer to be close to your age or older, whatever makes you most comfortable.
 
We have all kinds of people using our services! Anyone who finds social situations challenging, who struggle with low self-esteem, loneliness, life skills, or even cognitive or learning difficulities is welcomed!
 
If you need someone to talk to, BePeers is the place for you!

Question 7

Is BePeers a virtual service only?

Accepted Answer

Initially yes.
 
But as we grow, we will start incorporating a hybrid service, have our clients meet their coaches and even each other.

Question 8

What is special about the sessions?

Accepted Answer

Our sessions are tailored to each person's needs/expectations. Our coaches are not here to counsel, give advice or provide therapy. Rather, they are here to guide their coachee through mutual support, communication and understanding. 
 
Our coaches are given access to a wide repository of resources and materials to help them organize the sessions. These include games, activities, conversation topics, and even a way for them to help their coachee set goals and work towards them. 
 
Our coaches are mentored themselves. Each one is paired with a licensed professional for any questions and guidance they might have. 
 
Our platform includes video call, chat box, a whiteboard accessible by both parties, the possibility to co-browse and share screens, to make this experience even more enterntaining and enjoyable.

Question 9

What kind of community support does BePeers provide?

Accepted Answer

As we grow our community, the clients will have the opportunity to connect between them, the parents/caregivers will also have the possibility to interact, ask questions or support each other.
 
We will also be providing occasional workshops and trainings, which will be free to anyone using our services.

Question 10

How does BePeers ensure the safety of the client?

Accepted Answer

Safeguarding is our main priority.
 
Each party will be asked to sign e-safety and code of conduct documents. Our coaches will have access to an exhaustive safeguarding policy, as well as a crisis and escalation policy.