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.

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.

Download our Good Practice Guide for Starting a Befriending Service