Networking Opportunities
We facilitate networking opportunities to bring staff and volunteers from across the sector together to support one another and share experiences.
Our Networking events are free to both members and non-members of Befriending Networks. They are a chance to come together to discuss a set theme, engage with others working in the sector, and gain support and insight from our staff team. We encourage members to co-deliver networking events with us, providing insight and expertise into various areas of befriending delivery. Interested in getting involved?
The Leaders and Managers Network is exclusive to Befriending Networks members and is facilitated monthly by our CEO. These informal lunchtime sessions are supportive opportunities to discuss all things surrounding the leadership and management of befriending services. Regular attendance at these sessions is an excellent way to build up your connections and collaborate with leaders and managers within the sector.
Browse upcoming networking opportunities below.
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2026 Roadshow – Cardiff
Wednesday, 25 February 2026
10:30 – 14:30 (GMT)Co-hosted with Gig Buddies, part of Learning Disability Wales
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Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness (February)
Wednesday, 25 February 2026
14:30 – 16:30 (GMT)Connect, share, and discuss practice, policy and research linked to social isolation and loneliness in Scotland
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Leaders and Managers Network: Funding and Finances
Monday, 2 March 2026
12:30 – 13:30 (GMT)Bring your ideas and questions for peer networking and knowledge exchange.
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Networking: Managing your workload
Wednesday, 18 March 2026
13:00 – 14:00 (GMT)Â Discuss and share ways managing your workload
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2026 Roadshow – London
Wednesday, 25 March 2026
10:30 – 14:30 (GMT)Co-hosted with Volunteer Centre Greenwich
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2026 Roadshow – Belfast
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
10:30 – 14:30 (GMT)Co-hosted with Volunteer Now
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Networking: Supporting visually impaired people
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
14:00 – 15:00 (GMT)Discuss ways to support visually impaired people
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2026 Roadshow – Edinburgh
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
10:30 – 14:30 (GMT)Co-hosted with Edinburgh City Mission
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2026 Roadshow – Online May
Thursday, 7 May 2026
10:00 – 12:30 (GMT)Join us online for an inspiring, solution-packed gathering for all involved in befriending operations.Â
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2026 Roadshow – Manchester
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
10:30 – 14:30 (GMT)Co-hosted with New Mills & District Volunteer Centre
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Networking: Children and Young People’s Forum (June)
Wednesday, 10 June 2026
10:00 – 11:00 (GMT)A free networking session with a focus on topical issues impacting children and young people within the context of befriending.
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2026 Roadshow – Glasgow
Thursday, 11 June 2026
10:30 – 14:30 (GMT)Co-hosted with Volunteer Glasgow
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2026 Roadshow – Online June
Tuesday, 23 June 2026
13:00 – 15:30 (GMT)Join us online for an inspiring, solution-packed gathering for all involved in befriending operations.Â
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