Celebrating Befrending Week
1 – 7 November 2025
Every year from 1st to 7th November, organisations and individuals across the UK come together to celebrate Befriending Week – a week dedicated to recognising the incredible value and impact that befriending brings. It’s a time that raises awareness of social isolation and promotes the power of connection in our communities.
Why Befriending Week Matters
Loneliness is a growing issue in the UK for millions of people, particularly older adults, people living with disabilities and those facing difficult life circumstances. Many people can go days or even weeks without meaningful social interaction. Befriending services offer regular companionship, emotional support and help to combat loneliness and improve mental wellbeing. This might include regular chats over the phone or in person or help with everyday tasks like running errands, picking up prescriptions or accompanying someone to medical appointments.
The Power of a Conversation
Befriending can be as simple as a weekly phone call or a regular visit for a chat and a cup of tea. But the impact can be life-changing. For a person feeling isolated, knowing that someone cares and is willing to listen can make all the difference. For many people, this kind of support helps build confidence, reduce anxiety and feel more connected to their community. Let’s use this week to celebrate kindness, build stronger communities and remind each other that no one should feel alone.
How You Can Get Involved
Volunteer with One Place East’s Befriending services
Spread the word on social media using #BefriendingWeek
Reach out to someone in your neighbourhood who might need support
This Befriending Week, let’s celebrate the power of small acts of kindness – and the incredible impact they can have on someone’s life.
At One Place East, our Befriending Services are more than just a friendly chat – they’re about creating genuine, lasting connections that transform lives. Volunteers tell us how rewarding it feels to brighten someone’s day, and clients share the joy and comfort that regular companionship brings.
To mark Befriending Week, One Place East brought together our amazing volunteers and service users for a special meal at Toby Carvery. This celebration was more than just good food – it was about recognising the incredible friendships and connections that our Befriending Services creates every day.
The afternoon was filled with conversation, laughter, and shared stories. Volunteers and clients enjoyed spending quality time together outside of their usual routines, strengthening bonds that make such a difference in people’s lives. For many, this was a chance to relax, feel valued, and celebrate the joy that befriending brings.
Some incredible relationships have been formed through our befriending services. We’re thrilled to feature heartfelt quotes from both our volunteer befrienders and the clients they support. Their words offer a touching glimpse into the impact of companionship, empathy, and shared moments. These stories remind us why volunteering matters.
“The Befriending Service has proved to be a service that brings joy and friendship at a time when situations are overwhelming. Dementia hits hard, the situation, the people, not just the person diagnosed but their family and friends. You witness the person they were previously become a shadow of themselves. Mum went from initially sharing polite conversation with someone she didn’t know, to sharing time, memories and fun with a person who started as a stranger but became more, a friend. You see the change that spending time socially with someone who’s invested in her brings – the smiles, the laughter, happiness. Dementia is hard on everyone but the befrienders bring some of the joy back, a glimpse of the person they once were, if only for a while.” (EB)
“I have been a volunteer with the Dementia Befriending Scheme at One Place East since July 2023. It is really a wonderful and satisfying experience being a volunteer at One Place East because of the way the befriending scheme is structured. The staff are very supportive in helping to source funding or outside help for the many trips and activities that I have planned together with my clients. I have found the experience of being a volunteer at One Place East very satisfying and rewarding. It enables me to keep up with an active lifestyle in retirement. Furthermore, the satisfaction is indescribable when the clients acknowledged their appreciation of the visits and activities that were carried out by the clients and me.” (TL)
“I had felt for a long time the importance to give back and befriending seemed ideal. It gives me a sense of purpose and is very rewarding. The elderly ladies I volunteer for have lots of stories to share and we have lots of fun talking, playing games and popping out for coffees. There are a lot of lonely people and having someone visit or call can brighten their day and make a massive difference to their lives in feeling connected and improve their wellbeing. It’s so worthwhile and I get so much from it.” (JV)
“Being a befriender really makes me feel happy because I feel so privileged that my clients let me into their lives and we enjoy each other’s stories and company. Not only is it a pleasure, but I always look forward to the day I do my befriending. I am especially looking forward to accompanying one of my clients for lunch at the local Toby Carvery to celebrate Befriending Week, it will make his day!” (KH)
“My regular walking helps in keeping my blood sugar levels in check. My interaction (with TL) helps counter my sense of loneliness by engaging in conversation about gardening skills and issues like current affairs. I feel privileged to be able to call TL a friend who watches out for my wellbeing and is attentive to my vision impairment and dietary needs.” (MG)
“I’m just very happy that people can help me go shopping on a Wednesday. Without volunteers I would be totally housebound. Please do consider volunteering if you have any time, it is truly invaluable and means more than you know! (JP)
Celebrating Kindness: A Heartfelt Thank You
We want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers for their dedication and kindness. Your commitment helps reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, and bring smiles to so many faces. And to our service users – thank you for letting us be part of your journey.
Want to be part of something truly meaningful? Join our team of befrienders and help tackle loneliness, bring smiles, and make every visit count. By joining our team of volunteers, you’re not only helping others – you’re enriching your own life. Whether you’re offering a listening ear, sharing a cup of tea, or simply being present, your time can make a lasting difference.