Befriending Week (1–7 November) celebrates the positive impact that befriending has on individuals and communities across the UK.
What is befriending?
Befriending Networks, the largest network of befriending organisations in the world, defines befriending as “a relationship supported by an organisation to enable meaningful connections.” While schemes vary, they all share a common aim — to build nurturing, enriching and trusting relationships within clear boundaries, supporting positive outcomes for everyone involved.
Why volunteer as a befriender
Volunteering as a befriender offers both personal and community-wide benefits. Befrienders provide companionship to people who may be new to the area, face barriers to getting out and about, or are going through a difficult time. Their support helps to reduce loneliness, boost confidence and improve wellbeing.
Carlos, who volunteers in North Tyneside says
“I enjoy meeting new people, I enjoy listening and talking to them. They all have great stories to tell. It is rewarding and satisfying. If you can give one hour of your time, you will have helped at least one person to live less stressed.”
For volunteers, befriending is equally rewarding. Building a meaningful relationship with someone from a different walk of life can broaden perspectives and deepen one’s understanding of others, as well as contributing to a sense of purpose.
Volunteering as a befriender can also support employability, by providing valuable experience, especially in roles involving care, social work, or mental health.
Md, a community volunteer, sums it up well:
“A community becomes beautiful if we look after each other and share our needs and support.”
How to get involved
The simple act of offering time and genuine conversation can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a weekly phone call or a regular visit, befriending can help create community in our local area.
Here are some befriending opportunities –
- Re-Engage: Re-engage works to make life less lonely for thousands of older people every year. The Call Companions scheme supports older people through regular phone calls from volunteer befrienders. Find out more about volunteering with Re-engage here.
- HostNation: HostNation connects socially isolated asylum applicants and refugees with local volunteer befrienders. Through careful matching, they help newcomers settle into their community and practise English in an informal, friendly setting. Learn how to get involved here.
- Royal Air Forces Association: The RAF Association’s Connections for Life service tackles loneliness within the RAF community, supporting veterans, serving personnel, and their families through regular contact and friendship. Find out how to become a volunteer here.
- MHA Communities: MHA Communities offers telephone befriending for older people who may feel lonely or isolated. Volunteers make regular calls for a friendly chat, offering companionship, encouragement and emotional support. See current opportunities here.
- Safe Families for Children: Safe Families partners with local authorities to provide support to families in need. Family Friend volunteers offer hope, belonging and practical help to parents and children during challenging times, helping them feel less isolated. Learn more about volunteering here.
- Age UK: Just 30 minutes of your time a week could make a massive difference to an older person’s life. If you’re empathetic and good at talking on the phone, you could be a Telephone Friendship Service volunteer with Age UK. Age UK North Tyneside also often has opportunities for face-to-face befriending.
- Wag & Co: Wag & Co is the only visiting dog charity in the North East that befriends older dog lovers in their own homes, as well as in care settings and hospitals. Volunteers and their assessed dogs visit regularly to provide companionship and comfort. Discover how you and your dog can volunteer together here.
There are many ways to make a difference through befriending. To explore more local opportunities, visit VODA’s volunteering page or get in touch with the North Tyneside Volunteer Centre team by emailing volunteering@voda.org.uk. You can also see more information on befriending here.
