NSPCC/Childline

Building Connections is a national service focused on offering every child struggling with loneliness the opportunity to have a strong network around them, meaning they’re able to share their highs and lows with a supportive person. Young people will work with one befriender, building their relationship over several sessions delivered through voice and chat interactions. They’ll discuss strengths and vulnerabilities, current sources of support, resilience and goals, and steps they can take to help overcome feelings of loneliness.

Information for volunteers

Building Connections will offer Volunteers the opportunity to provide a young person matched with them the support to cope with loneliness by engaging with them regularly through voice and chat interactions over 11 sessions. Volunteers will support the young person to develop their capacity to cope with loneliness and to access appropriate resources needed for managing any emotions associated with loneliness.