Befriending

Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK Barnet - Head Office's catchment area.

Age UK Barnet
The Ann Owens Centre
Oak Lane
London
N2 8LT
United Kingdom

Email: befriending@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8 432 1416

Our befriending service matches carefully vetted volunteers with Barnet residents over 55 who are lonely and isolated. Relationships normally involve regular phone or home visits for a chat and a laugh. Some matches may also involve outings to shops or parks, help with paperwork and modern technology.

NB The Befriending Service is currently at full capacity and we are unable to accept any further referrals. We hope to review this situation soon and until then please take a look at our current activities page or our What's On Guide (link on home page) to find other activities and services that may be of benefit.

Who is the service for?

Matches may involve a combined and flexible approach to how people maintain contact. As restrictions lesson, we have also been enabling people to find information and safe social outlets.

• The service is for Barnet residents, aged 55 and over, who are lonely and isolated due to frailty, physical disability or other circumstances. Those who are unable to access other means of social interaction will be prioritised.

• Our service covers the whole of the borough, but if you live in an area covered by a locally based service or require the services of an organisation that specialises in your area of need, you may be signposted or referred to that organisation.

• We are not a charity that specialises in supporting people with complex needs such as mental health so we may require additional support in order to safely deliver a service to such clients.

Referrals to the scheme and FAQs

If you or someone you know is interested in our Befriending Service please email us on befriending@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call us on 020 8432 1416. You will be sent an information pack and a referral form or fill out a referral form below and email or send it back to us.
Click the link for a referral form and frequently asked questions.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnet/our-services/befriending/befriending-service-faq/

Befriending volunteering

More information on becoming a befriending volunteer

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnet/get-involved/volunteer/befriending-volunteer/