The People Behind the Purpose: Catherine
Published on 10 April 2026 02:12 PM
If you’ve ever spoken to Catherine, you’ll know her energy and compassion are truly infectious. As one of our Befriending Coordinators, Catherine supports our volunteers and clients across Lincoln, North Kesteven and South Kesteven (NG postcode areas).
Her days are busy, varied, and filled with the kind of human connection that makes our Befriending Service so special.
“No two days are the same!”
“Where do I begin?” Catherine laughs when asked about a typical day. “It can be based at Park Street or out in the community. A day in the office might include meeting new volunteers, delivering inductions, interviewing people who want to get involved, creating role descriptions, listing opportunities online, and promoting them on social media. I’m often on the phone too - chatting to clients and befrienders, checking in to make sure matches are going well.”
When she’s out and about, Catherine visits clients in their homes to get to know them ahead of matching them with a suitable volunteer. “I also revisit people once they’ve been matched,” she explains. “It’s lovely to see the difference those friendships make - and I capture photos, videos and case studies to show the impact of befriending to our funders.”
Across the region, there are 94 clients receiving befriending support (55 of whom Catherine supports directly), and 108 volunteers involved in different roles - including 63 befrienders (some taking on more than one client).
Befriending moments that matter
The role is as emotional as it is rewarding. “No two days are the same,” she says. “We take calls from clients, their families and volunteers; sometimes they’re sad or distressing, but other times they’re full of joy and appreciation for what we do.”
One moment stands out above all: “We were able to save a client’s life. One of our befrienders notified us that their regular weekly call hadn’t been answered, which was unusual. We contacted our HART team, and they found she’d fallen and been on the floor all day.
Thanks to that quick thinking, she got the help she needed - her daughter later said she wouldn’t have survived otherwise. It really shows what a difference befriending can make.”
Making the perfect befriending match
Matching volunteers with clients is part science, part instinct. “The first thing I look at is location,” Catherine says. “It’s easier for both people if they live nearby - and they often have a shared sense of place. But after that, it’s all about character. Some people are naturally chatty and outgoing; others are quieter. It’s about pairing people who’ll feel at ease with each other.”
She smiles as she recalls one of her favourite matches: “I brought together two women who were both adjusting after losing their partners. They had so much in common, and now their weekly visits are full of laughter and care. It’s been wonderful to see them both regain confidence.”
A few fun facts about Catherine
- Star Baker: Catherine won first prize in the Age UK baking competition! Her colleagues are always thrilled when she walks in with a tin full of scones or chocolate cake. (Pictured is her winning cake)
- Favourite lunch: Avocado, feta, tomato, beetroot and cucumber salad.
- Creative streak: She used to photograph weddings and christenings and still enjoys taking creative shots of her family
- Tea or coffee? “Tea first thing, then coffee, then tea again! Both strong, both with milk.”
- Go-to music: “Any kind of Christian worship music brings me peace and focus.”
What she loves most
“It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” Catherine says without hesitation. “My favourite part is visiting people after they’ve been matched - seeing how one hour a week can make such a difference to someone’s life. I’m also lucky to work with such a compassionate team, and our volunteers are incredible. We couldn’t do any of it without them.”
Catherine’s Daily rhythm
How does she start her day? “Filling the kettle - it’s always empty!” she jokes. Busy days are filled with phone calls and messages from clients and volunteers, but Catherine wouldn’t have it any other way.
Since joining the charity, she’s seen huge growth in the areas she covers. “I absolutely love Grantham,” she says. “My colleagues even call me Lady Grantham! I’ve managed to double the number of volunteers there, and Barchester Care Home kindly lets us use their facilities for interviews, inductions and volunteer coffee mornings. It’s been wonderful to see it all flourish.”
When she’s off the clock, Catherine looks forward to spending more time on her creative hobbies. “I’m going down to four days a week soon so I can get back to watercolour painting and sewing,” she says. “I also enjoy catching up with friends over coffee. My evenings usually involve sharing posts about our services on local Facebook groups - I like to keep spreading the word.”
Looking ahead
Catherine is especially excited for Befriending Week. “I can’t wait to see all my fantastic volunteers - we’ll be celebrating with coffee mornings at Park Street and Barchester Care Home in Grantham.”
Her message to readers? “We’re always looking for more volunteers. If you know someone who lives alone and would love a friendly weekly visit, please get in touch. Spreading the word helps us reach more people who need that connection.”