New e-learning for volunteers: Creating Social Connections

4th November 2025

At Befriending Networks, our mission is to support befriending organisations and the volunteers who make them thrive. We offer a wide range of support, including training, resources, our Befriender Training Toolkit, networking opportunities, research, and more. We monitor and evaluate our network and advocate for the vital work and impact of projects nationwide that tackle loneliness and social isolation. Above all, we champion and support those who are creating meaningful connections and making a real difference in people’s lives.

For Volunteers’ Week, we launched our first e-learning course on our website on the topic of how to have your first conversation. This course was designed to support the creation of meaningful connections by building confidence of befrienders and preparing them for their first encounter with a new befriending match. We have had fantastic feedback from this course.

“I don’t have anything I would improve, really! The illustrations are great, colourful and engaging. A positive experience! Thanks for your time in putting this together. I’m looking forward to my first befriender phone call tomorrow.” – Participant 2025.

Befriending Networks is excited to launch a brand-new, free volunteer training course in celebration of Befriending Week: Creating Social Connections. Designed to support both new and experienced volunteers, this interactive course draws on the latest research from the World Health Organisation, highlighting the importance of social health.

“Anyone, anywhere, can be lonely or socially isolated. Across all ages and regions, loneliness and social isolation have serious impacts on our physical and mental health, and the well-being of our communities and society.” – WHO Commission on Social Connection.

The course is available to all, whether a member of Befriending Networks or not. Staff and Volunteers can access the website directly and complete the course at their own pace. Taking approximately 30 minutes to complete, the training combines quizzes, audio files, and reading materials to create an engaging learning experience.

At the end of the course, participants can download a PDF of the course content, providing a handy reference for ongoing volunteering. Whether used as induction or refresher training, the course is designed to boost self-esteem, confidence, and understanding of the power of befriending.

Befriending Networks provides this free resource to recognise and support volunteers, helping them feel valued for their incredible contributions to the community.

Join us this Befriending Week and strengthen your skills while making a difference—one connection at a time.