Join Befriending Networks

Become a member of the largest global network of befriending projects! We provide support, training and accreditation to befriending projects of all sizes worldwide, creating networking opportunities for those in the sector to collaborate, share ideas and voice their experiences.

We welcome a diverse range of befriending services to join us and recognise the wide spectrum of befriending. Our services are specifically tailored to support the befriending sector, with members enjoying a range of benefits.

Why join Befriending Networks?

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  Be part of the largest network of befriending organisations in the world

  When you join Befriending Networks, you join hundreds of other befriending projects of all sizes across the world. We’ve created a network where those in the befriending sector can share ideas and experiences, and advocate for what matters to them.

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  Be included in our Befriending Directory

  Did you know that our website is one of the top-ranking results when you Google befriending? As a member, you’re invited to create a listing on our online befriending directory, helping more service users, volunteers and stakeholders to find your service.

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  Receive personalised 1:1 support

  Our small but mighty team is available to provide 1:1 telephone, online or email support to members of our network. We can advise on all aspects of running a befriending service, from managing volunteers to the service user’s journey.

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  Gain exclusive access to member-only resources

  We create member-exclusive resources to support your befriending project. Joining our network grants you exclusive access to the tools you need to start, manage and grow your befriending project, including our Good Practice Guides and the Befriender Training Toolkit.

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  Save money on training and events

  Members receive discounts when booking our training and events, and are invited to free-of-charge member-exclusive sessions, such as our monthly Leaders and Managers Network and Annual Conference.

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  Apply for the Quality Award

  The Quality Award is the only award in the UK tailored to befriending services. It’s valued by befrienders, service users, referrers, commissioners and funders and is a mark of good practice in the sector. Application for the Quality Award is exclusive to members of Befriending Networks.

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  Advertise staff vacancies on our website

  Attract the best candidates to apply for your vacancy and build your dream team. As a member of Befriending Networks, we invite you to advertise your vacancy on our database of jobs in the befriending sector.

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  Stand out as a member of our Network

  When you apply to join Befriending Networks, our Membership Team will be in touch to confirm your eligibility. Once your membership application has been approved, you can use the Befriending Networks Member Logo on your organisation’s website, email and promotional materials . This helps your service stand out as a member of the largest network of befriending organisations in the world!

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  Commission consultancy and evaluation services

  Befriending Networks has a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding of the issues faced by befriending projects. As a member, you can commission bespoke consultancy services to support your project, whether this be for one day’s input or a longer-term project.

What does membership cost?

Costs for membership are kept as low as possible and are determined by your organisation’s income. We will check your details against the appropriate regulatory body (e.g. OSCR or Charity Commission, Companies House) before approving your membership.