Save Gosport's Befriending & Advocacy Service

Aim

Help us save a vital befriending and advocacy service in Gosport, supporting vulnerable people with connection, guidance and a voice.

Our Story

Three years ago, we visited a gentleman who had lost his wife and no longer wanted to live. When our befriending coordinator sat with him, they both cried. He had been completely alone in his grief.

He was matched with a volunteer befriender.

Today, he goes out twice a week, has rebuilt his confidence, and recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

This is the difference our service makes.

And this is just one of many, many examples of how our service is changing lives every day.

What People Say

“After my husband was diagnosed with dementia, I found myself isolated with very few opportunities to get out. Our social life had disappeared.

Having someone to meet each week has made such a difference. Whether it’s a walk along the beach or a coffee and a chat, I now have something to look forward to again.

What matters most is knowing I have someone who listens, understands and is there for me. It has been a huge help.”
- Service User

“We spend time chatting in the garden or walking along the beach, usually with a coffee and plenty of laughter.

Volunteering gives me a real sense of purpose. I have the time to help, and supporting others makes me feel useful again.”
- Volunteer

Why We Need Your Help

We are working to save our befriending and advocacy service in Gosport - a vital lifeline for people facing isolation, financial hardship and complex challenges.

Our current funding ends on 30th April. Without new funding, this service will close in its current form.

We are setting up a new organisation, Gosport Community Support, to save it - but we are starting from scratch and urgently need your help.

We are working to save our befriending and advocacy service in Gosport - a vital lifeline for people facing isolation, bereavement, poor mental health and complex challenges. 

If we don’t act now, this lifeline will be lost.

Who We Are

We are a small, dedicated team committed to supporting vulnerable people across our community.

Between us, we bring over 20 years of experience delivering this service and have supported thousands of older people across the Borough. Firstly under Gosport Voluntary Action and, more recently, as Community First.

Every day, we work with individuals who feel overwhelmed, unheard or alone, providing both human connection and practical support when it’s needed most.

Our work is built on a simple belief: no one should have to face life’s hardest moments alone.

Project Impact

Another gentleman came to us after losing his wife. He told us he didn’t want to be here anymore. His anxiety had become so severe that he rarely left the house.

With the support of a befriender, he slowly began to rebuild his confidence. Recently, he went out for coffee and a walk along the beach - something that once felt impossible.

Alongside this, our advocacy service helps people navigate systems that can otherwise feel overwhelming. Over the past year, we have secured life-changing outcomes for those we support, including Attendance Allowance claims at both lower and higher rates, Personal Independence Payments, and Pension Credit - often with significant backdated payments that have transformed people’s financial situations. Over a twelve month period this equated to around £150,000 for local residents.

We have also supported individuals to manage debt, access essential care and equipment, obtain Blue Badges, and connect with vital services such as occupational therapy, adult services, energy support and mental health organisations.

Behind every number is a person who is now safer, more stable, and better supported.

This work doesn’t just improve circumstances - it restores dignity, stability and hope.

What People Say

“When I was first referred, my anxiety stopped me from going out and I spent most days alone.

Now, after regular visits, it feels like we help each other - we’ve become real friends. I feel more confident and able to get out again.”
- Service User

“We never struggle for something to talk about - there’s always something to laugh about!

Volunteering has helped me too. After experiencing bereavement, this friendship has given me real connection and purpose again.”
- Volunteer

Why This Service Matters

We are currently the only organisation in Gosport providing this combined befriending and advocacy service in people’s homes, free of charge.

If we are forced to close, there will be a significant gap, and many people will be left without support at the moments they need it most.

Right now, we support over 250 people each year, provide regular support to 90 individuals, work with 60 dedicated volunteers, and have a growing waiting list for both services.

What’s At Risk

This service is more than a project - it is a lifeline.

Without funding, we cannot continue supporting the people who rely on us.

For many, that means losing their only regular contact, someone to speak up for them, and a trusted source of support and guidance.

Our Vision

Our goal is to keep this service running and continue reaching the most vulnerable people in our community who are facing some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

With the right support, we can not only sustain the service but ensure that more people in Gosport are able to access the help they need to remain independent in their own homes for longer. 

How We’ll Use the Funds

The money raised will go directly towards keeping the service running, supporting our small team and volunteers, and continuing to provide both befriending and advocacy to those who depend on us.

Every contribution will help us continue changing lives.

Transparency

We want to be open that we are not yet registered with the Charity Commission. This process is currently underway, and we are committed to operating with transparency and accountability.

How You Can Help

If you can, please donate.

If you can’t, sharing this campaign could help us reach someone who can.

Together, we can make sure no one in our community is left alone, unheard or without support.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 23rd June 2026 at 2:19pm