I'm sorry, I may not have worded that quite right. Since you are in the UK and I am in the US, their role may be a tad different but my guess is not too different. My daughter has Asperger's and this service is available to us as well.

They are there to take you out, etc. that is true. I don't like to think of it as only for that reason because that makes it sound as if this is the only way you will find friends, and I don't believe that is true. Since you don't have anyone now, it definitely fits that purpose and so it's important that you and this person bond. But their companionship is there for another purpose. It provides you with a hands on learning experience.

This service person/companion is a safe place to use trial and error. For my daughter, I make her pay for her own things in the store sometimes (with my money) so she learns how to interact. I tell her before hand to look at the person hand them the money and say thank you when it's done. She hates it and doesn't always do everything, but we repeat it every time.

You are older so you will be doing other things depending on where you're at, but this is my understanding of what you should be getting out of this. And A. is right. Do not settle for second best since if you don't like this person, they won't be able to help you. Sometimes if you know what may appeal to you in a person you might be able to tell the agency and they can look for your "type". It's not the same I know, but my daughter is a pre teen girl so for mentors (and even her psychiatrist!) I actually requested a young, attractive female if possible and I've been given what I ask for...

Sorry if I'm overstepping a boundary but I think it's important that you get exactly what you need, since there is so much you can learn with the right help.