Our Highlights from 2024
18th December 2024
Here are some of our favourite moments from 2024. We’re so grateful to our members, supporters and partners – our work would not be possible without you! ✨
I have two highlights from 2024. The first was the engagement and involvement of our members in shaping and informing our new strategic plan! It was exciting to publish and now work to a plan which sets out our vision, mission, values and intentions for the next 5 years. The second was our in-person events in Cardiff and Edinburgh in June as part of Volunteers Week with the opportunity to meet staff, volunteer befrienders, and people being supported by a befriender. Both events were filled with energy, passion and excitement about befriending.
Susan
Chief Executive
I particularly enjoyed co hosting networking sessions this year with our fellow members and I really enjoyed attending our first ever volunteer celebration event during Befriending Week.
Nicola
Membership Services Officer
I think mine would have to be running our first volunteer event for Befriending Week 2024. I have wanted to run a Being a Befriender event for years and I really enjoyed it, worth the wait!
Victoria
Learning and Development Manager
My 2024 highlight was getting the new website launched, showcasing our work and resources, training and Directory in a fresh and easy-to-navigate format for both members and non-members.
Becky
Membership Services Assistant
My highlight has been 1:1 sessions with members. Whether that is helping them set up a new project, or navigating a tricky situation that has occurred. It’s always a joy to end the call knowing you have been able to help someone.
Sandra
Membership Services Officer
Mine has to be bringing together Welsh members for in-person events in both Volunteers Week and Befriending Week. It was really amazing to see them connect with each other, help each other and really show enthusiasm for the network and what we do because of those experiences! Also, more generally, it was having the chance to get out and meet members in their own spaces, to find out more about their work and find out how to be of service to them.
Matt
Membership Development Worker (Wales)
My highlight from 2024 was the integration of our new website and our CRM database as this allows us to work more efficiently as a team.
Lynne
Finance and Administration Officer
I joined Befriending Networks this year and it’s been a real joy to get to know this passionate and dedicated team. I loved the opportunity to help amplify the incredible work of our members through Befriending Week – the stories and experience shared were so inspiring!
Cat
Communications officer
The next year holds lots of exciting things, including our Journey Across Befriending roadshow, continuing celebrations for our 30th Anniversary and a packed programme of events and training to help you make new connections and take your skills to the next level. Perhaps 2025 is even the year you start your Quality in Befriending Award journey!
The staff and board at Befriending Networks hope you have a happy festive period and an energised start to the new year. We look forward to seeing you in 2025!