It’s a wrap on Roadshow 2026!
7th July 2026
6 locations, 2 online sessions, 191 attendees and lots of cups of tea – thank you to all our attendees for joining us at Roadshow 2026!
This year, we set out on the road to meet our network in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester, and twice online. Each event brought together the perspectives and ideas of the attendees to explore three topics affecting befriending services:
- How do we recruit and retain volunteers?
- How can we improve our referrals?
- How do we protect our wellbeing?
To explore some of the ideas generated through the events, check out our Insights from the network blog post.
We have had lots of positive feedback from the events, with attendees enjoying the chance to connect with colleagues and share their thoughts and experiences in an open, supportive environment.
I really enjoyed all of the discussions and have so much information to take home with me. A good space to share ideas and learn. Thank you!
Everyone is SO lovely – lovely atmosphere and an open place to share.
The discussion topics provided were a great opportunity for knowledge sharing.
I loved the relaxed and informal approach – all contributions were valued and people were generous with their care, support and advice – particularly to members of the discussion groups who were dealing with particularly challenging situations in their work.
Discussions and peer learning – good to connect with others in similar fields and situations, feeling very inspired and motivated.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to the Roadshow and a special thanks to our co-hosts for each event:
- Volunteer Now (Belfast)
- Gig Buddies (Cardiff)
- Edinburgh City Mission (Edinburgh)
- Volunteer Glasgow (Glasgow)
- Volunteer Centre Greenwich (London)
- New Mills & District Volunteer Centre (Manchester)
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (May online)
- Carers Leeds (June online)
A fond farewell to Nicola
As we wrap up our Roadshows, we also say goodbye to our Membership Services Manager, Nicola Zielinski-Gray, who is leaving Befriending Networks after a very happy 4 years and 4 months. She is moving on to a new position in the Community Engagement Team at Mencap, supporting people with a learning disability to live their lives to the full.
Nicola will be missed by the Befriending Networks team and membership, but we know that she will continue to make a huge impact, building more inclusive and connected communities in her new role. Thank you, Nicola, for all your incredible work, and best of luck!
If you’d like to help Befriending Networks continue to offer free events for the hardworking teams in befriending projects, please consider donating today.