100 Days until Befriending Week

Today marks 100 days until Befriending Week 1-7 November 2020 and Befriending Networks would like to start by thanking its members for their dedication and adaptability during what has been a challenging year. It has been incredible to see how befriending services have continued to support their communities and, in many cases, expanded services to keep even more people connected. 

Lockdown measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the detrimental effects of loneliness on health and wellbeing as well as the importance of connection, community and kindness, making Befriending Week even more significant. With the aim of raising awareness about loneliness and recognising the positive impact of befriending, this year's Befriending Week celebrates everything #BefriendingIs.

Take a moment now to reflect on what #BefriendingIs to you, to your organisation, to your befriendees, to your volunteers, to your community. Perhaps #BefriendingIs Connection, maybe #BefriendingIs Conversation or #BefriendingIs Life-Changing.

To help you start spreading the word online about all the things #BefriendingIs, we've created social media graphics that you can download here. We look forward to seeing what #BefriendingIs to you, so don't forget to tag @befriendingnet on Twitter and @befriendingnetworks on Facebook in your posts. As it becomes clearer what type of events will/won't be possible by November, further resources with ideas to celebrate Befriending Week will appear on our website.

The Befriending Networks Team looks forward to continuing to engage with our members and supporting you to support others in the coming months leading up to Befriending Week.

Recent News

Launching the Befriending Map of Gaps 2020

7 July 2020

In January 2020 Alex Hempton, a 3rd year Marketing Management student from Edinburgh Napier University, joined the team at Befriending Networks on a 5-month Research & Marketing placement aiming to update the Befriending Map of Gaps.  
The placement turned out a little differently than expected. As responses to Alex’ questionnaire began to arrive from befriending organisations and projects across Scotland, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic began to hit. Despite this he continued with the research and we are now able to launch the Befriending Map of Gaps 2020.  

There's cause to Celebrate during Loneliness Awareness Week

18 June 2020

Loneliness Awareness Week (15-19 June) seems even more relevant this year, as social distancing measures have caused many to experience loneliness, but also many to reach out to those who are lonely. Read why Beverley Swan, who this week marked her first year as a Befriending Coordinator with Age UK North Tyneside, has cause to celebrate...

Thank You Volunteers Past, Present and Future

11 June 2020

During Volunteers’ Week 1-7 June 2020, it was uplifting and inspiring to see so many messages of thanks to volunteers past, present, and future. Families First – St Andrews was one among many of our members who celebrated, recognised and thanked volunteers all week long. Here’s a spotlight on some of their volunteers’ stories.