We can't believe it's 100 days to go until Befriending Week 2026! Kickstart your planning by joining our fun and fast-paced interactive session on 18 August. You'll get fresh ideas and take the first steps to build a plan that works for you. befriending.co.uk/product/netw... #BefriendingWeek

We're excited to announce the team of freelance specialists who will be working with us on the Connected Lives project! Find out more about the team here: befriending.co.uk/connected-li... Free Connected Lives Dementia and Social Connection training in Scotland: befriending.co.uk/connected-li...

6 locations, 2 online sessions, 191 attendees and lots of cups of tea – thank you to all our attendees for joining us at Roadshow 2026! Find out more on our blog: befriending.co.uk/roadshow-202...

It's a wrap on Roadshow 2026! - Befriending Networks

6 locations, 2 online sessions, 191 attendees and lots of cups of tea – thank you to all our attendees for joining us at Roadshow 2026! This year, we set out on the road to meet our network in…

befriending.co.uk

We recently said goodbye to our Membership Services Manager, Nicola, who is leaving Befriending Networks after a very happy 4 years and 4 months. She is moving on to a new position in the Community Engagement Team at Mencap. Thank you for all your incredible work, and best of luck! 💜💚🧡

Do you lead a team in a befriending organisation? Explore how you can build your skills and confidence with our Good Practice course, starting Wednesday 19 August. Book now: befriending.co.uk/product/mana... #SmallCharityWeek

One of the reasons our network is so incredible is because our members share their experiences and expertise to help others navigate running a befriending project. In our new podcast, Ania from Wimbledon Guild shares how they approached the Excellence Award. befriending.co.uk/organisation...

This week, we're celebrating all the incredible small charities working to help build social connections and reduce loneliness and isolation. 🎉 Did you know that Befriending Networks is a small charity too? Find out how you can support our work: befriending.co.uk/support/ #SmallCharityWeek

This #LonelinessAwarenessWeek, we invited Rayella Broomhead, Programme Manager at b:friend, to share the importance of giving loneliness a voice. Read the full blog: befriending.co.uk/law26-bfriend

Inspired by the lives and experiences of people seeking sanctuary, Refugee Week 2026 is inviting everyone to explore the theme of Courage. Explore befriending services supporting refugees in the befriending directory: buff.ly/RDpsi28

What's a lesson you wish you'd learned sooner? What's your most treasured possession? What was your favourite game as a child? Every conversation you have helps build connection. Try out our Conversation Starter Cards to get the conversation flowing this #LonelinessAwarenessWeek: buff.ly/AYcT7aZ

To mark #LonelinessAwarenessWeek and the 2026 theme of Giving Loneliness a Voice, we welcome guest blogger Melissa, who shares how painful experiences in her life showed her the importance of meaningful social connections. befriending.co.uk/law26-voice/

Guest blog: Giving loneliness a voice - Befriending Networks

To mark Loneliness Awareness Week and the 2026 theme of Giving Loneliness a Voice, we welcome guest blogger Melissa, who shares how painful experiences in her life showed her the importance of meaning...

befriending.co.uk

We're supporting Loneliness Awareness Week (15 - 21 June). Loneliness is a normal human emotion, and befriending helps people build meaningful connections that make them feel seen and supported. Find a service near you: befriending.co.uk/organisations-directory #LonelinessAwarenessWeek

Are you a carer for someone living with dementia? We're developing a free e-learning course for volunteers and carers to offer practical guidance and confidence-building advice about dementia and social connection. Sign up for release updates: befriending.co.uk/connected-li... #CarersWeek

Next week is #LonelinessAwarenessWeek! If you're based in Scotland, come to our online Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness to take a post-election look at the political landscape for action on social isolation and loneliness in Scotland. Book your free spot: befriending.co.uk/product/scot...

Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness (16 June 2026) - Befriending Networks

These are not training events but an opportunity for peer learning and building connections with others in community work.

befriending.co.uk

Want to become a more confident leader? Each run of our Management and Leadership course is custom-curated to your questions, needs and challenges, so you'll get all the answers you need. Book for the August/September run: befriending.co.uk/product/mana...

It's Age Without Limits Day, when we question ageism. Befriending Networks members across the UK and beyond are working to create a society where age never limits anyone’s opportunity. Discover befriending services for older people in our directory: buff.ly/QaL51KY #AgeWithoutLimitsDay

This year, Carers Week is all about building carer-friendly communities. Some of our members offer fantastic befriending services to help carers and care-experienced people build friendship and social connection. Explore our directory to discover more: befriending.co.uk/organisation... #CarersWeek

If you've thought of volunteering as a befriender but feel a little nervous, check out our short "How to..." series for befrienders. You'll learn how to have your first conversation, build connections and signpost your match to support. 👉️ befriending.co.uk/e-learning/#forvolunteers #VolunteersWeek

Today kicks off and amazing weekend of friendship, food, fun and action. The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are teaming up on 5–8 June for one big do: a chance to meet, eat and lend a hand locally in UK’s biggest celebration of community. Find ideas and printable resources at thebigdo.com

To celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026, we’re offering a 10% discount on our new Volunteer Retention e-learning course until Sunday 7 June 2026. Use the code celebrateVW26 on checkout to get the full course for just £27 (or £36 for non-members). befriending.co.uk/product/e-le... #VolunteersWeek

Our network is full of incredible befriending staff who bring their insights and ideas to every networking session. At our 2026 Roadshow, we ask attendees: How do you recruit and retain volunteers? Head to our blog for their inspiring suggestions! befriending.co.uk/vw26-roadshow/ #VolunteersWeek

With youth loneliness on the rise, it's more important than ever that young people have access to social connection through activities like befriending. Come along our networking event next week to join the conversation: befriending.co.uk/product/netw... #PowerofYouthDay

It's Volunteers' Week! 🎉 Befriending is possible thanks to the incredible contribution of volunteers befrienders who give their time to help reduce loneliness. Thank you! Discover 5 ways to celebrate and support your volunteers in 2026 on our blog: befriending.co.uk/vw26-resourc... #VolunteersWeek

The team at SWAN Women's Centre are celebrating achieving their Quality in Befriending Excellence Award. SWAN Women’s Centre provides services that support and empower women and teenage girls across Sefton and Liverpool. Well done to the whole team! 🏆️ Read more on our blog: buff.ly/NOPaum7

Do you work in a befriending project supporting people with dementia? Get the knowledge and tools you need to make a positive impact at our Dementia and Befriending course. We had a fantastic session with our February cohort - join the next session on 17 June! befriending.co.uk/product/good...

This Dementia Action Week, our Learning and Development Manager, Victoria, is sharing her insights into the importance of dementia training, and why we're offering it to Scotland's third sector for free through the Connected Lives project. Read more: befriending.co.uk/why-we-run-t...

Bookings will soon open for our free dementia and social connection training in Scotland. Sign up to get project and event updates: befriending.co.uk/connected-li... 18 - 24 May is Dementia Action Week, which brings people together to act on dementia.

Did you know that many of our members offer dementia-friendly befriending services? Search our directory to find one near you! buff.ly/zhxHUhi This week is Dementia Action Week, when people come together to raise awareness of dementia and take action as a society.

18 - 24 May is Dementia Action Week, which brings people together to act on dementia. Visit the Alzheimer's Society website to join the Forget Me Not appeal and show your support. www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved...

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week! Volunteering as a befriender is a fantastic way to take action in your community and help people experiencing loneliness feel more connected. Search for a project near you in our directory: befriending.co.uk/organisation...