No 1 Befriending Agency

In order to tackle loneliness and isolation, The No.1 Befriending Agency runs a befriending service where trained volunteers call/visit isolated older people and spend an hour a week having a wee chat, a cup of tea, and hearing their stories.

Befriending calls/visits are tremendously helpful in battling the problem of loneliness and isolation, because they show people that others care about them and that they have somebody that they can talk to. Befrienders also serve as a link to a wider network of support available for vulnerable people and can ring the alarm bells if, for example, a person experiences any undue harm. For people without family members close by, this support can be invaluable.

Our group befriending, in which volunteers and befriendees can mingle, takes place each week at our Cup of Friendship events. These events are geared towards people who are looking to build connections and gain confidence.

For those that are digitally connected, we also host online group befriending events three times a week over Zoom. The sessions have included quizzes, arts and crafts, travel presentations, live music, desert island discs and of course tea and conversation.

Our heritage project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund is in full swing and there are opportunities to explore heritage through our 'Every Life is A Story' events - from storytelling, to memory boxes and 1-2-1 oral history conversations - hopefully there's something for everyone!

In G51 and G52 we are running a project until end of March 2023 focused on supporting family carer's wellbeing. Full details can be found on our website.