For companies

Margaret was referred to Reach Out by a GP Link Worker. Reach Out support those facing potential loneliness who are medically vulnerable, having recently left hospital or being at risk of hospital admission. They do this by connecting clients with a befriender, for companionship, getting out and about and some regular connection. At the time, Margaret was living with mild cognitive impairment and receiving support from the frailty team. Like many people in similar situations, Margaret was spending a lot of time on her own so it was felt that having a befriender could offer her companionship, reassurance and perhaps even give her the confidence to get out and about again. Enter, Sharon. Sharon is a volunteer at Reach Out and upon asking if she would be happy to be matched with Margaret, she didn’t hesitate. After learning about Margaret’s mild cognitive impairment and that things might take time, Sharon was keen to help, if anything, it made her even more determined to help. Their first contact was a phone call… which lasted 45 minutes! They had plenty to talk about and an immediate connection. When they first met in person, they got on really well, but Margaret understandably struggled at first to remember who Sharon was and when she would be visiting. Sharon came up with a simple but brilliant plan. She photocopied her Reach Out ID badge and left a copy by Margaret’s diary, so Margaret could check each day who was coming and when. It worked a treat. Before long, Margaret was ready and waiting when Sharon knocked on the door, knowing exactly who to expect. Soon, their visits began to include trips out together - something Margaret now looks forward to enormously. These days, they love nothing more than heading out for a Coke, some peanuts and a good old chin wag. Being able to get out of the house has made a real difference to Margaret’s mental health and feelings of loneliness. As Sharon explains: "Margaret spends a lot of time in her flat on her own and really looks forward to my visits so she can have a change of scenery and to do something different. Most times I take a picture and send it to her so she'll have something to remind her of where we've been and what we've done." Margaret worries about her memory and Sharon’s weekly visits have become a reassuring constant in her life. Sharon has also been mindful of how Margaret experiences her memory loss. Margaret can remember the distant past but struggles with more recent events and has shared that some people can be abrupt when she repeats herself, which causes her anxiety. " I tell her it does not matter ,” Sharon says, “e veryone forgets things and it’s okay to be told things more than once. We keep things light and relaxed, have a giggle and always have fun during my visits . Sharon encourages Margaret’s independence and always speaks positively to her, helping to build confidence rather than anxiety. And the impact goes both ways. " I am pleased to be able to make a difference and help someone who is alone ," Sharon says. " I look forward to the visits. It’s helped me gain insight and understanding of dementia so I can support people better and not cause distress ." She adds that the visits help her too, " I struggle to relax, so it’s good to sit and chat and eat cake. When I leave, Margaret shouts ‘Love Ya’ - and my heart hurts ." Volunteers like Sharon, who give their time, compassion and creativity to support vulnerable people in our community, make such a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Stories like Sharon and Margaret’s remind us why befriending is so important, particularly during seasons when people may feel more isolated. If you’d like to read more about the impact of befriending and why it matters now more than ever, you can explore our other blogs on befriending and community connection. Or explore some of our befriending opportunities here - Could you be a befriender? | GoVolHerts

Finding Connection After the Festive Season: Why Befriending Matters As the festive season comes to an end, many of us feel a noticeable shift. The cosy catch‑ups, shared meals and time spent with family and friends begin to fade, replaced by quieter routines and a return to everyday life. While there’s comfort in routine, this transition can also highlight how important connection really is. For some, especially those who live alone or feel socially isolated, the post‑festive period can feel particularly lonely - a big drop in the social serotonin can cause us to retreat and not want to leave the house. For those that rely on the support of others to be able to get out, this can have a hugely negative impact. This is where befriending can make a real difference. Befriending is about simple, human connection; taking time to listen, talk and be present for someone else - meeting them where they are at. And while you are supporting someone, you can be flexible too on how you would like to offer your time. It might be a regular phone call, a walk, a chat over a cuppa, or a virtual catch‑up. It doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t have to be a big commitment, but it can have a meaningful impact on both sides. For volunteers, befriending offers a gentle way to stay connected beyond the festive season. It provides a sense of purpose and continuity, helping bridge the gap between the warmth of the holidays and the quieter pace of the new year. It helps those coming to terms with the loss of elderly loved ones in their lives or wanting to make a change to the loneliness elderly and isolated people feel. Many people find that it brings structure to their weeks, introduces them to someone they might never otherwise meet all while offering a deeper sense of belonging within their community. Befriending also reminds us that connection doesn’t always come from large social gatherings. Sometimes, it’s built in small, yet regular moments. As we step into a new year, befriending can be a simple yet powerful way to support others while nurturing connection in your own life too. If you’re considering giving a little time to make a big difference, take a look at our latest befriending opportunities and see what might suit you: Could you be a befriender? | GoVolHerts

Loneliness has become one of the most quietly pervasive challenges of modern life. Recent studies show that as many as 27% of adults in the UK claim to feel lonely 'always or some of the time', which has interestingly seen a 3% increase post Covid. Whether driven by social isolation, changing life circumstances, working from home or simply the ebb and flow of emotional well-being, feeling alone can affect anyone. These feelings often intensify during certain seasons, particularly within the winter months with shorter, darker days, societal pressure and influence for having fun and celebrating, missing friends and family we cannot see or transitional periods like the start of a new school year or moving home. And this is where befriending comes in. What Is Befriending? Befriending is the act of offering companionship, empathy and consistent social contact to someone, or a group, who may be feeling isolated or alone. This could be due to age, loss of family, having left an abusive situation, having needs that require additional support, facing socialisation difficulties because of health or recovery from an operation. Befriending itself can take many forms - from going out for walks and socialising, attending groups, popping over to someone's house for a tea, chatting on the phone, scheduling a virtual catch up... there is an option for everyone. The Benefits of Befriending  Reduced Loneliness and Social Isolation At its core, befriending provides what many people lack: a sense of being seen and heard and primarily, companionship. Regular connection can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness, which, when prolonged, can be as harmful to health as smoking or obesity . Knowing someone cares enough to check in can shift a person’s emotions and benefit overall wellbeing. Improved Mental Well-Being Engaging in meaningful conversation, sharing stories, or simply spending time with someone can boost mood, confidence, and life satisfaction. For individuals dealing with depression, anxiety or grief, companionship can help break cycles of negative thought patterns. Enhanced Physical Health The effects of social connection go beyond emotional benefits. Studies show that supportive social relationships can lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and improve sleep, which can hugely impact those recovering from illness, injury or operation. Personal Growth and Empathy For the person offering friendship, befriending encourages empathy, emotional intelligence and a deeper understanding of human experiences. Giving time to someone else enriches one’s own sense of purpose and belonging. Strengthening Community Fabric Small acts of connection ripple outward. Befriending creates trust and connection within communities; helping create environments where people feel safe, valued and more likely to support one another. A Season for Connection Loneliness may ebb and flow with the seasons, but befriending provides a steady thread of connection through it all. Whether winter’s cold is setting in, holiday lights are flickering, or another season of change approaches, reaching out to someone - friend or stranger - can be transformative for both parties. In a world where many feel invisible, befriending is a reminder that we are wired for connection, strengthened by community, and healed through kindness. Sometimes, the smallest gesture can brighten the darkest season. If you can offer small but regular time to befriend someone in your community, why not check out our befriending opportunities and find one that suits you - Could you be a befriender? | GoVolHerts