News & Press

Befriending Networks members Together Co Befriending offer an invaluable service to those over the age of 50 with limited to no social connections, as well as individuals aged 18+ living with health conditions causing isolation, or acting as a carer to these groups. Together Co creates face-to-face, telephone and group befriending matches, as well as running three befriending social groups a month.

Highland Hospice Helping Hands supports people who are living with an advanced, life-shortening illness.

The Befriending Networks member is a volunteer-delivered befriending service, helping befriendees to live their best possible life and to prepare for and experience the best possible death. 

Ecas is a Befriending Networks member that offers friendship and companionship for isolated, physically disabled adults living in Edinburgh. 

Befriending Networks member People Know How support children, young people, and their families in the transition from primary to secondary school through their Positive Transitions programme.

Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project (KASP) is a Befriending Networks member with more than 25 years of experience in providing services to women and men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Their befriending service is for women and men who are socially isolated and/or lonely due to what they have suffered.

LEAP’s befriending service offers one-to-one befriending and friendship groups to older people in Lanarkshire through their Hands On Project. 

b:friend’s vision is to reduce isolation for people who are over 65, live on their own, and do not have a diagnosis that requires specialist support, such as dementia. The Befriending Networks member pairs volunteer befrienders with socially isolated older neighbours to spend time chatting, listening, and supporting people who may otherwise have no one. 

A member of Befriending Networks, Kincardine & Deeside Befriending recruits, trains and supports volunteer befrienders who are matched with isolated people aged 55 and over, to provide them with social contact. 

The Welcoming’s Friendship Project supports New Scots (refugees, asylum seekers and migrants) to overcome social isolation and build community in Edinburgh. Through one-to-one and group befriending activities, participants are empowered to develop new skills and share their knowledge with others. 

MHA is an award-winning charity which works to eliminate isolation and loneliness among older people by connecting them to communities. A member of Befriending Networks, MHA runs telephone, online and face-to-face befriending services, providing a vital link to the outside world.

Befriending Networks member Apasen delivers social and community services in the United Kingdom.  
The organisation set up a new befriending service to support the local residents in Tower Hamlets. The aim of the programme is to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable older residents and carers, to encourage independent living, combat social isolation, and build more connection to the local community. 

Mearns Kirk Helping Hands is based in East Renfrewshire, offering one-to-one volunteer befriending to people aged 65 and over who are feeling lonely or isolated. 

Befriending Networks is seeking 2 Member Directors to join our Board! 

As a member of Befriending Networks, Monifieth Befrienders offers a free service for socially isolated older people, and recently bereaved people of any age, who live within the area. 

Time to Talk aims to tackle loneliness by recruiting volunteer befrienders to talk to people who otherwise might not see anyone other than their carers for weeks at a time. Run by Voluntary Support North Surrey, Time to Talk supports people of any age. Their volunteers receive training and support and are matched with people with similar interests. 

LINK East Fife Mental Health Befriending Project provides support for adults and young people who have become isolated, lonely or disengaged due to a mental health issue.

Edinburgh-based charity and Befriending Networks member Vintage Vibes works to tackle the loneliness crisis in the city. Their befriending service matches volunteers with older people with similar interests, providing lasting companionship for them.  

Interest Link Borders provides one-to-one and group befriending services for children aged eight and over, young people and adults with learning disabilities, and children and young people with autism. Founded in 1990 and a Befriending Network member, they have four branches covering Roxburgh, Tweeddale, Central Borders, and Berwickshire, with 270 service users and 200 volunteers. 

HELP Ripon & Rural offer over-65s living in and around Ripon regular social visits from volunteer befrienders, providing them with someone to talk to and a friendly listening ear.

Befrienders with Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis are trained volunteers who can offer a listening ear to anyone with pulmonary fibrosis, their carers, and family members over 18.

Age Cymru’s Friend in Need service was launched in June 2020 to support those over 70 who were suffering from loneliness and isolation as a result of social distancing, self-isolation, and shielding.

The STAR Project Community Befriending Scheme provides befriending support to local individuals and families. Based in Renfrewshire, the award-winning Befriending Networks member employs a person-centred approach to deliver sustainable and positive outcomes to families and communities in the North End of Paisley and beyond.    

Matt Youde has joined Befriending Networks as our new Membership Development Worker for Wales. Matt will be responsible for supporting and growing our Welsh membership and we're excited to have him on board!

Our 2023 Befriending Statistics Report is available to download and read now!

Befriending Networks members, Beatson Cancer Charity, recently hosted their 3rd Befriending Blether, this time in Paisley. The event featured a quiz, bingo, sandwiches, coffee and cake and was a great success.

We are delighted to let our members and supporters know that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Befriending Networks Ltd will take place on Wednesday 1st November 2023 at 11.25am via Zoom. Our AGM will be incorporated within the National Membership Conference taking place within Befriending Week.

Get ready for Befriending Week 2023, 1st – 7th November!

Join Befriending Networks as our Membership Services Assistant!

Are you proactive and customer-focused with a ‘can-do’ mindset? We are looking to appoint a Membership Services Assistant to support the delivery of our membership services. The successful candidate will be a team player willing to get stuck in, learn and develop.

Inspired by Jo Cox MP, The Great Get Together takes place from the 23rd to the 25th of June and aims to unite communities and bridge divides. At Befriending Networks, we’re proud to support befriending projects across the UK that do just that and are excited to celebrate their achievements.

In March 2023, we asked you to respond to our survey asking for your views on how well we are doing at delivering our services and advancing our objectives. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our evaluation survey. 2023 marks the first year that the survey has been open to members and non-members, and the results will be instrumental in improving our service in the future.

We are thrilled to offer a free research event to our members of Befriending Networks. We know the cost of living crisis is affecting the operations of community projects on many levels and we hope this event can help inform and support you at this time. Join us online on Tuesday 20th June 2023, 9:30am - 12noon to hear fantastic recent research from Volunteer Scotland, Pro Bono Economics and the Mental Health Foundation. Read our news piece to find out more. 

25 befriending projects from our Scottish membership were successfull in their application for the Social Isolation and Loneliness Winter Fund 2023 - assigned through Befriending Networks and our collaboration with the Scottish Government. The allocation of grants has now been reviewed and our report of the positive impact the fund has made is now live. Read our news piece to learn more and to access the full report. 

Let's hear from Victoria sharing her experience being our Learning and Development Officer at Befriending Networks

Looking to make a positive impact in the befriending sector? Join us as our Communications Officer!

We would be delighted to hear from any individual who could offer their time, skills, knowledge and talents to
Befriending Networks and to advance our work through becoming a Member Trustee.

The Social Isolation and Loneliness Delivery Plan ‘Recovering Our Connections’ has been published today by the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government Minister for Equalities and Older People has announced the launch of the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund.

Nicola Zielinski, our Membership Officer from the Befriending Networks team attended the APPG for Tackling Loneliness & Connected Communities on 21st Feb, 2023. 

BIG WELCOME to our new CEO Susan Hunter as we started the process of transition today. BIG THANKS to Sarah for your leadership for the last 5.5 years.

We are delighted to announce the befriending organisations receiving funding from the Scottish Government’s Tackling Social Isolation and Loneliness (SIAL) Winter Funding, through the fund we were administering on their behalf. This grant was awarded to Befriending Networks to share with our members to enhance or expand their delivery in Scotland.  We were really pleased with creativity and quality of these applications given the tight timescales making our decisions difficult.

Please note we have been overwhelmed by the number of applications received already therefore we are closing the fund to applications at Noon Monday 6th February

We are delighted to announce that we have been successful in securing a pot of funding that will be distributed to Befriending Projects across Scotland providing much needed support during February and March 2023.  Due to the tight timescales involved please read below today as funds will be allocated on a first come basis for those that meet the criteria.

Membership Logo for 2023 is now available for download

On Remembrance Day, Befriending Networks commemorates all those who have served in the armed forces, and those who are serving today.

Learn more from Anthony about what he enjoyed most about being a befriender

Brenda cannot imagine leaving her role as a befriender, as she has been doing it too long to go "cold turkey"!

Let's hear 10 quotes from CACE and see what #BefriendingIs

Read in Sophie's own words how The Integr8 Youth Action Project changed her life,and helped her reach her goals

"I wouldn’t be where I am today without them". 

Bill a befriender with People Know How shares how volunteering has taught him new skills, and been a worthwhile experience as he retired.  He is looking forward to continuing his role as a befriender in 2023. Befriending Week is a great reminder that befriending is a two-way street where both parties gain from the experience!

Sr Agnes shares being a befriender makes her feel good, knowing that she is helping someone by being a companion while learning new things and enjoying herself at the same time.

Norma a retired  primary school teacher joined Vintage Vibes as a VIP ......Later, she was enjoying herself so much that she also became a volunteer! Alongside friends at the Film Group, during her time with Vintage Vibes Norma has created incredible friendships with Jana and Fiona, meeting up every week, and during the pandemic she became a ‘Biscuit and Blether’ volunteer and developed a friendship with VIP Grace.

Different volunteers share their three words they use to describe befriending

The story of Sara and Pam and how they came together and enjoy their regular telephone conversations.

Home Link family support service were brave enough to create an unlikely match, that has opened up new doors for a mum and her young son, changing their future paths in such positive ways.

Learn more about the Northamptonshire Carers Community Champions as they celebrate 10 years of supporting carers across the county.

I was alone and very nervous and anxious. But now I have friends, I am busy, I can go shopping to buy things. I am independent and I am progressing. 

A story of a befriender who is gaining in confidence and experience whilst supporting a young person to develop their knowledge and skills

Celebrating a milestone is important but so too are the many people who have been helped and had their lives changed through befriending.

Jane shares how Link Befriending transformed her life for the better by helping her to connect when she felt alone in the world. "Over four years I had three incredible befrienders; all with different ages, backgrounds and experiences. They didn’t try to change me or make me better, they just accepted me for being me. 

Hear how Trent and Dove Housing Association have embraced befriending as a way to support their tenants, give their staff new opportunities and improve everyone's wellbeing.  From a Covid pandenic response to a key part of what they offer.

John, sharing his experience as a befriender meeting wonderful families, visiting befriendees so their families can also get some time out to meet friends and catch up.

Dana shares how slight loss and the pandemic has impacted on her life, her optician suggested she contact Sightline and she now looks forward to a weekly call with her befriender.

A wonderful story of 16 year old Robbie and how his befriender has helped him gain in confidence

Alaine served as a befriender for 10 years and she liked the idea of matching with someone who needed compainionship. "I felt it was something I would enjoy, and the responsibility would boost my confidence"

Hear about Katie's journey to support a young Syrian woman learning to navigate a new life in Edinburgh.  The experience gives them the opportunity to learn more about each other's cultures.

I would heartily and unreservedly recommend befriending to anyone who might be interested in it.

Read Inspiring stories everyday about what #BefriendingIs

Befriender Marty and Befriendee Paul sharing their experiences and what #BefriendingIs to them.

Margaret and Lawrence shared how much they look forward to seeing their befrienders as they can talk about lots of things and also be listened to, so that they are feeling less isolated.

Kenny as a befriender felt it was a privilege to befriend Jim, the relationship evolved from one sided conversation to a shared relationship. Jim has even gone to become a befriender now and is proud to give something back.

Meet Cath, Anne and Flo who through Together Co catch up each week and enjoy spending quality time togther.

Celebrating 26 years of befriending and still going strong at 88 years old

Cheryl & Claire are birthday twins! Both born on the 10th of the month - but 30 years apart.

Befriending Caithness continues to “pick up the thread” in moving the Befriending Textile Project onwards.

It's 1 Month until Befriending Week 1-7 November 2022 and Befriending Networks has resources, social media graphics and videos to inspire you to get involved to celebrate #BefriendingWeek - Creating Connections, Celebrating 10 Years and raise awareness about everything #BefriendingIs.

We would like to express our condolences to The Royal Family and all those affected by the sad news.

Her Majesty showed dedication to service and commitment to charities and volunteers throughout her life.

Befriending Networks Team

Let the countdown begin! It's 100 Days until Befriending Week 1-7 November 2022 and Befriending Networks has resources, social media graphics and videos to inspire you to get involved to celebrate #BefriendingWeek - Creating Connections, Celebrating 10 Years and raise awareness about everything #BefriendingIs.

Befriending Networks Befriending Statistics Report 2022 showing the estimated impact from befriending services provided by our members in the past year.

We were able to hold this event thanks to funding from an M&G Community grant, bringing 18 befriending organisations in Edinburgh togther with Volunteer Scotland!

This reports shared the progress on the £170k grant to deliver a Befriending fund built upon Befriending Networks' knowledge and experience gained from management of the Befriending element of the Winter Support Fund and continued to support our ability to get funds to trusted and experienced befriending projects

Report sharing our members' evaluation of Befriending Networks' performance 2021-2022

During Loneliness Awareness Week 2022, let's hear from Interest Link Borders on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Loneliness Awareness Week 2022, let's hear from Together Co on how we can all help to tackle loneliness!

During Loneliness Awareness Week 2022, let's hear from Interest Link Borders on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Loneliness Awareness Week 2022, let's hear from Age UK North Tyneside on how we can all help to tackle loneliness!

During Loneliness Awareness Week 2022, let's hear from Together Co on how we can all help to tackle loneliness!

During Loneliness Awareness Week 2022, let's hear from CACE on how we can all help to tackle loneliness!

During Loneliness Awareness Week 2022, let's hear from Age UK North Tyneside on how we can all help to tackle loneliness!

During Loneliness Awareness Week 2022, let's watch "Davie Grey A short story" written by our Learning & Development Officer, Victoria. Taking some of the many stories we have learned over the years from befriending projects and their volunteers’ anecdotes, this video represents just one circumstance of loneliness a service user of befriending may be experiencing: the bereavement of a partner.

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from LINK East Fife Mental Health Adolescent Befriending Project on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from D&G BEFRIENDING PROJECT on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from INTEGR8 BEFRIENDING on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from MS Society Cymru on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from Interest Link Borders on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from INTEGR8 BEFRIENDING on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from INTEGR8 BEFRIENDING on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from Time to Talk Befriending on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from Interest Link Borders on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from Vintage Vibes on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from Age UK North Tyneside on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from London Irish Centre on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from AgeUK North Tyneside on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from CACE on how volunteers are really making a difference!

During Volunteers' Week 2022, let's hear from VASL on how volunteers are really making a difference!

Thank you to @tnlcomfundwales for #NationalLottery funding to help our community / Diolch i @TNLComFundWales am ddarparu arian #LoteriGenedlaethol i ni fel y gallwn helpu ein cymuned

Please see details of LINK's Annual General Meeting

Let's hear from Befrienders Highland on the differences that befriending can make during this Mental Health Awareness Week 2022!

Let's hear from Befrienders Highland on the differences that befriending can make during this Mental Health Awareness Week 2022!

Let's hear from Befrienders Highland on the differences that befriending can make during this Mental Health Awareness Week 2022!

Let's hear from BEfriend on the differences that befriending can make during this Mental Health Awareness Week 2022!

Let's hear from BEfriend on the differences that befriending can make during this Mental Health Awareness Week 2022!

Over 1000 befriending calls have been made by Beatson Cancer Charity volunteers since the start of the pandemic.

Volunteers' Week campaign is back across the UK for it's 38th year. The annual campaign, that runs every year from the 1st - 7th June, returns with the simple theme and focus of 'Thank You' to all volunteers. 

After working for 5 years with Befriending Networks, Muriel has decided to take retirement at the end of May 2022.

After working for 18 years in the voluntary sector, the last 5 with Befriending Networks, Diane has decided to take retirement at the end of March 2022.

Congratulations to trustee Lynnette Pryke crowned NEIGHBOUR OF THE YEAR 2021 winner for her work in her local area!

Membership Logo for 2022 is now available for download

Let's hear from Age UK North Tyneside's ‘Geordie’ John on his views on what #BefriendingIs!

Let's hear from LINK East Fife Mental Health Adolescent Befriending Project's Hannah on her views on what #BefriendingIs!

Let's hear from Caithness Voluntary Group together with Lyth Arts Centre on their views on what #BefriendingIs!

Let's hear from Sky on what #BefriendingIs!

Let's hear from LINK East Fife Mental Health Adolescent Befriending Project on their views on what #BefriendingIs!

We are delighted to announce the befriending organisations receiving funding from the Scottish Government’s Tackling Social Isolation and Loneliness Funding, through the £160k fund we were able to administer. This grant was awarded to Befriending Networks to share with our members, delivering local befriending projects in Scotland.  We were really pleased with creativity and quality of these applications, making our decisions difficult.

We are delighted to be one of nine organisations benefitting from the first round of funding from the Scottish Government aimed at Tackling Social Isolation and Loneliness. Read on for further information about how this money will be used in Scotland.