Service of the month, Befriending

Each year, Befriending Week shines a spotlight on the growing issue of loneliness - particularly among older people - and the life-changing power of human connection.

The Reality of Loneliness

In the UK today, more than 1.4 million older people say they often feel lonely. Loneliness can stem from many factors: bereavement, retirement, family relationship breakdown’s, poor health, or reduced mobility. For some, it means going days or even weeks without a meaningful conversation.

But loneliness isn’t just an emotional experience - it has a serious impact on physical and mental health. Prolonged isolation has been linked to heart disease, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even premature death. It is now recognised as a major public health issue.

The Power of Befriending

Befriending is a simple but powerful intervention that changes lives. Through regular phone calls or in-person visits, Befrienders provide companionship, reassurance, and a sense of connection to those who might otherwise feel invisible.

The benefits are profound:

For the client, befriending can:

• Improve mood and mental wellbeing
• Increase confidence and reduce anxiety
• Help maintain a sense of identity and purpose
• Reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness

For the Befriender, it can:

• Build strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Offer a deep sense of fulfilment and purpose
• Improve emotional wellbeing
• Create meaningful relationships and strengthen ties to the community

A Team That Leads by Example

We are proud to share that a number of our own staff members volunteer as Befrienders in their own time. Their commitment and compassion are deeply appreciated, and we thank them for the incredible difference they are making.

How You Can Help

We are always looking for new Volunteer Befrienders. If you know someone — a friend, family member, neighbour — who might enjoy making a meaningful difference in someone’s life, please encourage them to get in touch.

We also ask staff to kindly mention our befriending service during your home visits, where appropriate. Sometimes, just raising awareness can open the door to support for someone who truly needs it.  Our service offer varies from 30 minute weekly telephone chats, to long term weekly home visits, to short term 6 month support with confidence building, supporting clients to get out of the home and helping them make new friendships through joining groups and visiting places of interest. 

Also consider that our clients may make wonderful Volunteer Befrienders themselves, from the comfort of their own home making telephone calls, or if they are able to get out and about, they could visit an isolated lonely older person, bringing joy to both parties. 

Let’s continue working together to ensure no one feels alone. A small act of kindness can be life-changing.

Tracey
Service Manager