Befriending Services
What is Befriending?
To combat loneliness and isolation, The No.1 Befriending Agency offers a befriending service where trained volunteers visit older individuals to share a friendly chat, enjoy a cup of tea, and listen to their stories.
Our 12-week befriending programme matches service users with dedicated volunteers who commit to visiting them once a week. These visits make a significant impact by showing people that someone cares, offering companionship, and providing a vital connection to the outside world. For those without nearby family, this support can be life-changing.
Befrienders also play a crucial role in connecting service users to a broader support network and can act as an early warning system in cases of undue harm or distress.
In addition to one-on-one visits, we host monthly Cup of Friendship events, a group befriending initiative where volunteers and befriendees can mingle and socialise in a safe and welcoming environment. These events are especially meaningful for individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to leave their homes.
Who do we support?
We provide support to individuals in Greater Glasgow who are over 65, live alone, and experience loneliness or isolation. Our befriending service offers companionship and helps build meaningful connections.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for our befriending service, individuals must:
Be over 65 years old
Live alone
Reside in Glasgow
The Referral Process
Once a referral is made, our trained Volunteer Coordinators visit each potential client to assess whether befriending is the right fit for them. If someone is not suitable, we work closely with the referring agency to explore alternative, more appropriate options, ensuring no one is left unsupported. For those who are eligible, we arrange an initial visit to begin their journey with us.
Goal Setting
During the initial visit, we take the time to understand the service user’s needs and encourage them to set a personal goal to work toward during the befriending visits. These goals might include:
Going for walks with their befriender
Becoming digitally connected
Building confidence
Becoming more active (e.g., through armchair exercises)
Thoughtful Matching and Ongoing Support
We carefully match service users with volunteers we believe they will connect with on a personal level. Throughout the 12-week befriending period, we maintain regular contact to ensure the service is meeting their needs.
After the 12-week programme, service users can continue to access our virtual and in-person events for up to a year, providing ongoing opportunities for connection and engagement.
Know someone who could benefit from our services? Consult our Referral Guidelines and request a referral form by emailing us at info@befriend.org.uk, or complete the form online below.
Please note that referrals are now closed for 2024. We will let you know when they open again!