News & Press

"Hello my name is Emma and I have just started volunteering with the Community Champions team at VASL. The Community Champions team asked me to write a short piece about my experience so far as a volunteer and loneliness."  

Social distancing measures put in place because of COVID-19 have caused a surge in the use of video calling technologies as people seek to connect and 'see' one another. In many cases this has allowed befriending, which usually takes place through face to face meetings to take place online. But how is it for those who are new to technology? Julie from VASL Community Champions shares a success story.

As the governments across the UK aim to loosen lockdown CEO Sarah shares her thoughts on things we need to consider and the implications for befriending. "I would suggest that considering our collective responsibility to others and the rights, wellbeing and dignity of those most vulnerable in our communities, must be at the heart of our next steps". 

As the circumstances around COVID-19 continue to change, Befriending Networks aims to keep befriending and other volunteer-involving organisations up to date and supported as best we can. Here is the latest update containing suggestions about adapting as measures for easing lockdown begin and information on how to access the resources we have made available (updated 14 May 2020). 

A new £5 million Loneliness Fund was launched on 13 May 2020 and there continues to be smaller grant funding opportunities to support organisations supporting communities during COVID-19.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues Befriending Networks aims to keep befriending and other volunteer-involving organisations up to date and supported as best we can.  Here is the latest update containing guidance and information on how to access the resources we have made available and support from the team (updated 5 May 2020). The situation continues to change so please continue to check here for new information, guidance and/or resources.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, BHA BeFriend has demonstrated commitment to their community in Berwickshire and continue to expand the number of people services support and the number of volunteers involved as well as spread good news and encouragement through social media.

Many befriendships (friendships formed through befriending) are built on going out and about to cafes, on walks, to events etc - all things social distancing now prevents. Learn more about how a creative volunteer with West Kent Befriending Service founds news ways to connect during COVID-19.

Charlotte, story chaplain and volunteer befriender with Time to Talk Befriending, shares how spending moments together noticing 'the little things' in life makes a big difference.

Befriending Networks' CEO Sarah Van Putten speaks at SCVO The Gathering about how Befriending Networks uses the National Performance Framework.

This week saw the publication of Connected Communities, Wales' strategy for tackling loneliness and social isolation and building stronger social connections.

This year there was a social media buzz around 'Blue Monday' that started conversations about the meaning and impact of loneliness.

Throughout the festive season and into the New Year, several campaigns have been launched to increase awareness about the prevalence of loneliness in the UK, the damaging effects loneliness has on health and wellbeing, organisations who support those who are lonely, and ways to volunteer to help tackle what has been labelled a 'loneliness epidemic'.

Befriending Week 1-7 November 2019 put the Spotlight on Health and Wellbeing and there were more celebrations, participation, engagment and excitement than ever before! Read a summary of the week.

Charlotte, who is now 86, was referred to Time to Talk Befriending in 2016 by her physiotherapist. Charlotte has only been living full time as a female for the past 2 years, for 83 years of her life she lived as Ronald.

“Sixty years with my wife (after she had passed) is hard to recover from, but making so many new friends and meeting my fantastic Befriendee, has left me with a positive outlook for the future. I would not have thought this would have been possible a short while ago”

Monifieth Befrienders' “Friendship Group” was set up in March using a Tesco “Bags of help” award. The idea was for people waiting for a befriender to get together for soup, a sandwich a game of dominoes and a blether.

Jonathan has been volunteering with People Know How since May 2019 and has supported numerous projects during this time.

“I have improved my confidence, especially by trying things I haven’t done before… It’s been really good trying new things and pushing the envelope a bit in terms of what I thought I’d be comfortable with”

St Barnabas Community Companions are volunteers who provide support to our patients and their carers. This might include visiting a patient’s home for a chat, helping them with shopping or going out for a coffee. 

One of our Community Companions, Liam, has kindly shared his experiences of visiting patients.

St Barnabas Community Companions are volunteers who provide support to our patients and their carers. This might include visiting a patient’s home for a chat, helping them with shopping or going out for a coffee. 

One of our Community Companions, Anna, has kindly shared her experiences of visiting patients.