What is Befriending?
Befriending is a relationship supported by an organisation to enable meaningful connections.
Befriending has boundaries
The befriending relationship has boundaries. This begins with an organisation matching individuals together and then providing ongoing support to both befriender and service user. The befriending relationship will be monitored by the organisation and supported at all stages, including managing the ending.
Befriending is diverse
Befriending can be diverse in its delivery but shares a common goal of enabling meaningful connections. This connection can be between people with shared or different life experiences.
It’s Befriending Week!
1 – 7 November
Let’s celebrate and raise awareness about befriending and the power of social connection!
Befriending is a planned social interaction
Befriending is a planned social interaction which can take place in a 1:1 or small group settings. In our network, there are delivery models which include:
- Face-to-face befriending, taking place in the home or community.
- Distance befriending, including telephone and video calls, letter writing, and gaming.
Some services provide a mixed or hybrid offer to their service users. Befriending organisations will provide one or more of these delivery models.
Befriending achieves positive outcomes
Befriending will achieve positive outcomes and prevent negative ones, for individuals and communities. Befriending reduces loneliness and social isolation by increasing connections.
The befriending relationship is nurturing, enriching, and trusting.
Befriending is predominantly provided by volunteer befrienders
Befriending is predominantly provided by trained and supported volunteer befrienders. In some projects, befriending may be delivered by a paid employee.
Interested in becoming a befriender or accessing a service?
Befriending Networks is the largest network of befriending services in the world. To find a service near you, explore our directory.
Want to learn more about what it’s like to be a befriender? Check out our micro-courses for volunteers.
Thinking of setting up a befriending project?
Befriending services are an impactful way to build social connections and reduce loneliness in your community. We have lots of resources to help you get started, such as our Good Practice Guide for Starting a Befriending Service and free open networking sessions. Members of Befriending Networks get access to even more resources, including example policies and templates, as well as exclusive events, discounts and 1:1 support. Find out more about becoming a member.