Befriending Connections Face-to-Face

Email: helena.becker@ageukeastsussex.org.uk
Telephone: 0759 240 5819

Befriending Connections is a 26-week, in-person programme designed to support people to reconnect with their local community and build confidence in engaging with others. Although delivered face-to-face, the programme takes place outside the home, encouraging participants to take small, manageable steps towards joining groups, accessing activities, and developing social connections within their local community.

The programme is aimed at people over 50, who are independently mobile and who may face barriers to community engagement. It provides support to help individuals overcome these barriers, increase their confidence, and enjoy a more active, connected and fulfilling life within their community.

Why we have Befriending Connections

Loneliness and social isolation can have a significant impact on an individual's emotional wellbeing, confidence, resilience and quality of life.

Many older people experience loneliness following life changes such as retirement, divorce, moving to a new area, loss of social networks, caring responsibilities, or bereavement.

The Befriending Connections programme is important because it:

- Helps older people build meaningful social connections face-to-face
- Supports people to regain confidence and independence
- Encourages participation in local groups, activities and community life
- Improves emotional wellbeing and reduces feelings of loneliness

The programme is aimed at people who:

- Are aged 50 years or over
- Who are independently mobile
- Feel lonely or socially isolated
- Have low-level mental health needs, low confidence or reduced capacity to socialise
- Would benefit from a short-term, goal-focused intervention through the support of a volunteer
- Are willing and able to participate in the programme for six months

Who this service most suits

The service is particularly suitable for people who want support to reconnect with their community, develop new social networks and work towards personal goals that improve their social wellbeing

Be a Befriending Connections volunteer

Working one-to-one with an older person, Befriending Connections volunteers will provide encouragement and support, helping them take manageable steps towards positive change. Goals might include attending a local coffee morning, joining a craft group, building confidence to leave the house, accessing community activities, or finding new sources of social support.

By breaking larger goals into smaller, achievable steps, volunteers help older people recognise their progress and feel empowered to make lasting changes. The ultimate aim is not only to reduce loneliness but also to build resilience, confidence, and independence for the future.

Find out more