So…what is befriending?
1st November 2026
At Befriending Networks, we’re so immersed in the world of befriending that sometimes we forget that it’s not a concept everyone is familiar with. This post is a brief introduction to the basics of befriending, helping you to understand what befriending is and how it works. Let’s get started!
- What is befriending?
- How is befriending different from a casual friendship?
- Why do we need befriending?
- How does befriending work?
- What does a befriender do?
- How can I become a befriender?
What is befriending?
Befriending is a friendship that is initiated and supported by a befriending service – an organisation that ensures meaningful connection can happen in a way that makes everyone feel safe, supported and comfortable.
Befriending can be delivered in countless forms – face-to-face, over the phone, video calls, letter writing or even online gaming.
The most common form of befriending is 1:1, where a befriender (usually a volunteer) is matched with a service user for regular meetings, calls or activities. It can also take the form of group meetings, activities or events.
Services might be aimed at particular groups, including but not limited to:
- Young people
- Older people
- People with experience of a health condition such as cancer, epilepsy, mental health conditions or addiction
- Carers
- Refugees and those seeking sanctuary
- People who have experienced loss and bereavement
Many services serve a defined geographic area, but there are also national services that cater to service users in any location (particularly for befriending that isn’t face-to-face).
As you can see, befriending is very diverse. Our membership includes over 275 befriending services across the UK, Ireland and beyond, each one is has its own approach to delivering befriending that suits their community.
How is befriending different from a casual friendship?
Befriending offers a more supported route to connection for those who are experiencing social isolation and loneliness, or are looking for deeper connections that are nurturing, enriching and trusting.
At its core, befriending is a relationship that has structured boundaries and is managed by an organisation to ensure it remains safe, respectful and centred on the wellbeing of all involved. This can be especially valuable for people in vulnerable groups. It is often time-limited, with a clear beginning and end of the relationship.
Our Quality in Befriending Award holders have been through a rigorous assessment process to evaluate their services, indicating that the necessary frameworks are in place to facilitate safe and structured connections between people.
Why do we need befriending?
Loneliness affects everyone at some point in life. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 6 people globally experience loneliness.
Research has found that loneliness and disconnection across the life course can adversely affect health and wellbeing, are costly for the health and social care sector, negatively affect educational performance, and are damaging for the productivity of individual business and the economy at large.
The WHO Commission on Social Connection found having stronger social connections increases the likelihood of survival over a 7.5 year average by 50%. Strong social connection and frequent social contact have been associated with a 19% and 14% reduction in risk of dementia, respectively. In young people aged 12 – 17 years, having social support increased the likelihood of positive education outcomes by 42%.
Different live circumstances mean that not everyone has access to meaningful friendships and relationships on a regular basis. Befriending is a tried and tested intervention that helps build social connection in a structured way, creating positive impacts for the service users, befrienders and the wider community.
How does befriending work?
The befriending process varies depending on the mode of delivery, but a process for a 1:1 befriending match might go through the following steps.
The befriending organisation receives a referral for a person who would benefit from being matched with a befriender.
This may come from their loved ones, GP, a social prescriber or other public service providers. Some services also allow people to request a befriender for themselves (self-referral).
The befriending service will find out more about the person who has been referred, including information about their hobbies and interests.
They use this information to match the service user with a befriender who they think will be a good fit. This is one of the most important steps that defines whether a match will be successful.
Expectations, boundaries and support structures will be made clear to the befriender and service user to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Now the fun bit! The organisation, befriender and service user arrange planned befriending activities, such as going to a local café for a regular chat or a weekly phone call.
Now the fun bit! The organisation, befriender and service user arrange planned befriending activities, such as going to a local café for a regular chat or a weekly phone call.
At an agreed point, the match comes to an end and next steps are decided. Some relationships may conclude here so that the befriender can support another person, while others may decide to stay friends outside the organisation’s framework.
What does a befriender do?
Befrienders are the driving force behind befriending – we estimate that our network of member organisations manages around 21,024 befrienders, contributing an astounding 1,639,872 volunteer hours per year.
Befrienders will connect with their match (or matches) for regular activities. There isn’t one personality type that fits befriending, but some common features might be:
- Warm and friendly
- Trustworthy and reliable
- Enjoys connecting with others
- A good listener
- Empathetic and understanding
Some services may also look for befrienders with certain lived experiences.
As a new befriender, you will receive training to help you understand the expectations of the role and the support available. If you are working with protected groups, you will also need to complete a disclosure check.
Interested in learning more? Check out our free “How to…” introductory e-learning series for befrienders.
How can I become a befriender?
Our members are always searching for new volunteers to join their befriending services. Our directory has a “Recruiting Now” tag that allows you to see which organisations are currently recruiting new volunteers.
Explore our directory to find a service today.
Befriending Week is the national campaign celebrating and raising awareness of befriending and the positive impact it has on individuals and communities.
Find out more at befriending.co.uk/bw
Befriending Networks is a small charity but our impact is big: our network reaches 22,000 volunteers and their matches across the UK every year. Donate today to support our work.