Family Friends
About Family Friends
Family Friends was set up in 1993 to support low-income families. Through a network of trained volunteers we provide befriending services to families living in Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster and South-East Brent. We support families facing multiple hardships, from mental health to finances, offering long-term emotional support and encouragement.
Our Parent Buddies and Big Buddies services aim to empower parents and young people who want to make positive changes in their lives. Our volunteers will visit their match for a few hours weekly/fortnightly for 6-12 months. In-person Befriending sessions take place in the local or wider community, however, for those that struggle to leave their home, we also offer a Digital Buddies service.
England, W10 5QZ
Service Eligibility
Family Friends support parents and young people aged 10-18 living in Central-West London who are isolated and would benefit from emotional support. Families referred into our service must be on a low-income (below £23,000 PA) or in receipt of Universal Credit. For families earning over £23,000 PA, we offer a paid-for befriending service on a sliding scale.
We accept referrals from professionals as well as self-referrals from families.
Information for Volunteers
Key tasks
• Visit your match on a regular basis, at mutually agreed time periods, building a relationship of friendship and trust. Sessions are weekly for 6-12 months.
• Engage in conversation, listen to any concerns or issues of welfare which many come up in conversation.
• Submit a feedback form after each session.
• Respect the autonomy and dignity of your match.
• Attend all essential Family Friends training sessions.
Key Qualities
• Confident with cheerful disposition.
• Excellent listening and conversational skills.
• Patient, non-judgemental and emotionally resilient.
• Reliable, committed with good time keeping skills.
• Ability to work unsupervised, using own initiative as required.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Age Groups
Children (0-18), Young People (18-25), Adults (25-65)Themes
Care Experienced People, Learning Disabilities, Lone Parent Families, Mental Health, Refugees/Asylum Seekers, Children and Young PeopleRegions
Greater LondonOther Information
Who can refer: Self Referrals Accepted, Friends & Family Referrals Accepted, Professional Referrals Accepted