Face-to-Face Befriending Connections

Email: befriending@ageukeastsussex.org.uk
Telephone: 01273 476704

Befriending Connections is a short-term, face-to-face befriending programme designed to help people aged 50+ who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation.

The service provides up to 6 months of support from a trained volunteer befriender, focusing on building confidence, motivation and social connections through personalised goal setting. Rather than simply providing companionship, the programme helps people identify and overcome barriers that may be contributing to loneliness, supporting them to reconnect with their community and improve their wellbeing.

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 bereavement, retirement, poor health, reduced mobility, caring responsibilities or loss of social networks.

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
- Creates opportunities for sustainable support beyond the programme
- Enables individuals to develop skills and resilience to better manage future challenges

The programme is aimed at people who:

- Are aged 50 years or over
- 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
- Would benefit from the support of a volunteer befriender
- Are willing and able to participate in the programme and provide consent

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