Quotes about Befriending by Public Figures

“Befriending provides welcome support for some of the most vulnerable members of society and we greatly value the work undertaken by those who voluntarily give up their own time to help others. We see volunteering as an important means of extending people's participation in their communities, and we respect the contribution that befriending makes to the lives of all those involved.”
—Tony Blair - former Prime Minister
“It is the need of every single one of us, child or grown-up, to feel wanted, to feel we belong and that we matter to someone else in the world. We all know, from our own experience, that feeling isolated from those around us, alienated from society, makes us sad, even angry. The deeper this isolation becomes, the more hurtful and resentful we feel and the more this is reflected in our behaviour. Such behaviour only leads to greater alienation. Children who from an early age feel alone and apart from the rest of the world, and there are so many of them, who become angry and hurt, have little chance of leading fulfilled lives. They are lost from the start. Above all, they need friendship, the solid warmth of someone who cares and goes on caring. With such lasting friendship, self worth and self confidence can flourish, and a child's life can be altered forever.”
—Michael Morpurgo, Children's Laureate 2004-2007
“Befriending provides a valuable lifeline to many people who feel isolated in their communities often as a result of ill health or poverty. I would like to thank all those who volunteer as befrienders and I hope that your numbers will increase in coming years. Your kindness and hard work is, I know, very much appreciated by those you help.”
—Charles Kennedy - Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats
“Volunteer befrienders exemplify concern for others in action. They give their tme to help others on a personal basis because they want to and because they recognise that our obligation to one another is not fulfilled simply by paying our taxes. This personal care is especially effective because it recognises that everyone's needs are different and that many problems cannot be solved by money alone or through agencies of government. We owe volunteer befrienders, society's good neighbours, a huge debt of gratitude.”
—David McLetchie - Leader of the Scottish Conservatives and Unionist
“Volunteer befrienders carry out marvellous work, supporting those who are isolated through illness, disabilities or difficult situations. In bringing those they befriend fully into society, they make society better for us all.”
—Iain Duncan Smith MP
“Having had direct experience of befriending projects, I know how much their work is valued by people who are often isolated in our communities. I pay tribute to the dedication of staff and volunteers who provide this much needed service.”
—Jackie Baillie MSP
“There are many strengths in modern society, but one of its weaknesses is the breakdown of many of the old structures and networks that supported people in times of crisis and need. Whenever we lose a strengthening element in society, we need to replace it with alternative systems as quickly as possible. Befriending schemes are a crucial part of this process, because they fill the gap that social erosion has left in the lives of so many vulnerable people.”
—Richard Holloway - then Bishop of Edinburgh
“Through the Scottish Action programme I've had a privileged insight into a number of befriending schemes. I am convinced that befriending plays a major role in helping to include many people who could otherwise be socially excluded. It also offers a clear and practical way for volunteers to contribute to something that matters but is also rewarding and fun to do.”
—Denis Mooney, Head of Factual Programmes and Sport, Scottish Television
“I believe that befriending can make a real difference to a person's life. For children and young people a supportive befriender can provide real help through a crisis situation or enable them to perform better at school or act as a bridge to involvement in the child or young person's community.”
—Hugh R Mackintosh, Director of Children's Social Services, Barnardos Scotland
“We all need support and friendship, regardless of circumstances. But where do people turn when friends and family are simply no longer there, or can't help us through a difficult time, or need all our care and attention and can't give us any in return? Thank goodness for befriending projects, who help fill the empty spaces where care, support and a listening ear need to be.”
—Nicola Sturgeon - MSP
“As someone who previously worked within community care, I recognise the invaluable work that befrienders do within the community. Whether befriending is provided in a formal or informal basis, its value is equally important. I sincerely hope that the new Scottish Parliament recognises this important role within our communities, and where possible provides the necessary support to befrienders in Scotland.”
—Michael Matheson MSP
“Real friendship is greatly valued, especially by people in need. Befriending projects can bring a great deal of happiness and fulfilment for people who require care and support and for those who volunteer to help them.”
—Dennis Canavan MSP
“Befriending is one of the simplest yet most important but most neglected of services. It meets people in whatever their situation - bereavement, distress, illness, loneliness, vulnerability - and may be, perhaps more than sophisticated services, critical to their survival.”
—Terry Philpot, Community Care Magazine – (then Editor-in-chief)