E-learning
On-demand training for befriending teams
Welcome to e-learning with Befriending Networks. These courses are designed to support you in your befriending role, with training available for project staff and befrienders.
What courses are available for project staff?
- Collaboration and co-design
- Handling complex and inappropriate referrals
- Running a befriending service (free)
What courses are available for befrienders?
- How to have your first conversation
- How to create social connections
All e-learning courses are accessible at any time. This is independent learning with no training event or classroom environment to attend. Course content is accessed through our training platform, to suit your schedule and your learning pace.
Select a course to learn more about its content.
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Available courses
For Project Staff
For Project Staff
Collaboration and Co-Design
A practical, engaging course exploring the principles and practice of collaboration and co-design. Learn what collaboration means, when it works best, and how to apply real-world strategies to build strong partnerships, gain buy-in, and achieve shared outcomes, supported by research insights and practical tips.
For Project Staff
Handling Complex and Inappropriate Referrals
A practical, interactive course designed to support participants to learn how to communicate their service criteria clearly, design effective referral forms, respond confidently to challenging referrals, and use data to drive continuous improvement. This course provides self-paced learning alongside good practice resources.
For Project Staff
Running a Befriending Service
This course is free for members and non-members, highlighting key concepts of the Befriending Networks Good Practice Guide, Running a Befriending Service. Designed to support befriending projects from ideation to operation. Throughout the course, you’ll discover key areas of every befriending service, with resources, training and support signposted throughout.
For Befrienders
For Befrienders
How to have your first conversation
An interactive, free e-learning course for new befrienders designed to build confidence and support positive first conversations with matches. Learn practical tips, conversation starters, and access advice from volunteer coordinators to help start your befriending journey with confidence.
For Befrienders
How to create social connections
A free, interactive course for befrienders that explores what social connection is, why it matters, and the common barriers people face. Learn how befriending helps build meaningful relationships and develop the understanding and practical skills needed to create positive social connections.
Coming soon
For Befrienders
Coming soon!
A new course for volunteers will launch in March 2026. This course will be free and available to all.
Launching March 2026