b:Friend matches volunteer befrienders with isolated, elderly neighbours in the community. The aim is to reduce social isolation by re-engaging at risk individuals with their community through one-to-one befriending partnerships and community group social events.
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National Emergencies Trust Local Action Fund
We’re taking part in the National Emergencies Trust Local Action Fund. Donations to our project will be matched by the fund up to the value of £250 to help us overcome the effects of the pandemic.
Please note only one donation per supporter will be matched by the National Emergencies Trust Local Action Fund.
Over 9 million people in the UK – almost a fifth of the population – say they are always or often lonely. b:friend aims to build community connections to reduce older neighbours experiencing social isolation in South Yorkshire.
Through 1:1 and group befriending, their objective is to enable opportunities for meaningful friendship to grow by facilitating interactions that wouldn’t ordinarily occur. Volunteer befrienders pledge to visit a socially isolated older neighbour near them for one hour per week for a cuppa and a chat. The charity provides truly equitable support with no cost at the point of delivery, ensuring that as they deliver this project in communities with particular social challenges, everyone can access support regardless of financial status.
Since launching in January 2017, the charity has supported over 1,200 older neighbours and now deliver over 13,500 hours of social connection per year.
Any support you can offer will allow us to continue pairing isolation older neighbours with local volunteer befrienders to offer friendship, companionship and loads of laughs.