Befriending Service
Providing companionship, connection and friendship to those experiencing loneliness or social isolation in the London Borough of Hounslow
What does our befriending service offer?
Loneliness can affect anyone, regardless of age or circumstance.
Our Volunteer Befriending service matches you with a trained, DBS-checked volunteer for one-to-one support. They’ll visit you once a week for up to two hours. Together, you might go for a gentle walk, play chess, or simply enjoy a friendly chat over a cup of tea. Our service is about offering company, friendship, and companionship. If you’d like support, or you know someone who might benefit from this service, please download and complete our referral form by clicking here. Once we receive your form, we’ll aim to carry out an in-person assessment within 10 working days.
We provide this service completely free of charge. Donations are welcome and play a vital role in helping us keep our services free and accessible to all.
Who can benefit?
This service may be right for you if:
- You live within the Borough of Hounslow
- You're feeling lonely or socially isolated
- You have limited social networks or family nearby
- You simply want more meaningful social connection
- You've experienced recent life changes or loss
Benefits of befriending:
- Regular friendly contact and meaningful conversation
- Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Someone to share interests and activities with
- Connection to community resources and activities
- Improved mental wellbeing and quality of life
- An opportunity to meet new people
How our befriending service works
1
Referral, expression of interest
A referral form should be completed and e-mailed to us about the individual who would like to use our befriending service.
2
Review and assessment
We will call the referred individual within 2 working days of receiving the referral form. A member of our team will carry out an in-person assessment of the referred individual to understand their needs & circumstances.
3
Volunteer matching
We will introduce and pair a trained, DBS checked volunteer. We try to pair people based on shared interests, location, and availability.
4
Ongoing support
Weekly visits are made with the volunteer and regular befriending contact begins. Monthly check-ins are completed from the Positive Change team with both the volunteer and beneficiary ensuring suitability.
