Befriending Networks

Join us for our online networking next week, which is all about managing your workload, exploring techniques for managing a busy workload when working in the charitable sector.

befriending.co.uk/product/netw...

#networking #online #community #managingworkload #charity #thirdsector #teamwork

CACE is looking for a part-time Community Engagement Worker to lead Group Befriending sessions, creating welcoming spaces where older people can build friendships, feel connected and access support.

Find out more and apply: buff.ly/uB8VPHK

COVID-19 Day of Reflection - Get involved There are lots of ways to take part in the Day of Reflection.

Find out more about how to take part at dayofreflection.campaign.gov.uk/get-involved

What is the COVID-19 Day of Reflection? This year's COVID-19 Day of Reflection takes place on 8th of March. There are many ways you can get involved, and you can also use our interactive map at https://dayofreflection.campaign.gov.uk/ to…

Today is the COVID-19 Day of Reflection, when people across the UK come together to remember those who lost their lives since the pandemic began and to honour the tireless work and acts of kindness shown during this unprecedented time.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcFx...

Togetherly | Where well-being starts with being well connected Together.ly is a communications platform that helps care providers connect with those who need connection the most.

Thanks to our members who contributed to this article! ✨
Together.ly
St Martin’s Centre
Bright Futures
b:friend

A Spotlight on Group Befriending and Social Connection - Befriending Networks Our Membership Development Manager, Nicola, explores how group befriending can offer exciting new experiences while also increasing the capacity of befriending projects. With contributions from our…

Group befriending can be a great way to provide new and engaging experiences for your service users and volunteers, as well as helping to boost your capacity to help more people. Find out more about how group befriending can work for you on our blog:
befriending.co.uk/group-befrie...

The Wimbledon Guild team with their Excellence Award

Congratulations to the team at Wimbledon Guild for achieving their Quality in Befriending Excellence Award! 🏆️

Find out more: befriending.co.uk/wimbledon-gu...

Just one minute of your time could help us get £1,000!
You can nominate us for Movement for Good's next prize draw - 100 charities will be chosen at the end of March to receive £1,000. Thank you for your support! 🧡 💜 💚
buff.ly/SVQIyQ9

Making the Most of Membership (March) - Befriending Networks These are not training events but an opportunity for peer learning and building connections with others in community work.

For members
Making the Most of Membership | Tuesday 3 March, 14:00 - 15:00
befriending.co.uk/product/maki...

For non-members
Introduction to Befriending Networks | Wednesday 4 March, 14:00 - 15:00
befriending.co.uk/product/intr...

We've refreshed our member dashboard to make all the exclusive content and other benefits easier to access. Join us for an info session to learn how to make the most of the resources available, or find out more about membership!

Want to find out more about membership? Join a free information session next week. For members: Making the Most of Membership. Tuesday 3 March, 14:00 - 15:00. For non-members: Introduction to Befriending Networks. Wednesday 4 March, 14:00 - 15:00.

Join us next week for info sessions to learn about being a member of the world's largest network of befriending orgs!

Making the Most of Membership | Tuesday 3 March
befriending.co.uk/product/maki...

Introduction to Befriending Networks | Wednesday 4 March
befriending.co.uk/product/intr...

Participants chat on pews at a Good Conversations workshop

⏰ Mae rhai o dyddiau yn unig ar ôl i wneud cais am ein Cynllun Grantiau Bach ‘Social Connections’! Gwnewch gais erbyn dydd Sadwrn 28 Chwefror.

There's just a few days left to apply for our Social Connections Small Grants Scheme!
Apply by Saturday 28 February. befriending.co.uk/linking-live...

Learning Disability Wales - Befriending Networks Gig Buddies Cymru/Ffrindiau Gig Cymru Gig Buddies Cymru is a befriending scheme that matches adults with a learning disability and/or autism with volunteers who share the same interests, so they can…

We're delighted to be running this event with our co-hosts Gig Buddies, a befriending scheme that matches people with a learning disability in Wales with a volunteer who shares the same interests, so they can go to gigs and other events together. Find out more: befriending.co.uk/organisation...

2026 Roadshow - Cardiff - Befriending Networks These are not training events but an opportunity for peer learning and building connections with others in community work.

Last chance to book tickets for our Cardiff Roadshow on Wednesday 25 February! 🎟️ Join your peers for an inspiring and solution-packed gathering for all involved in befriending operations. Book your free place now: befriending.co.uk/product/2026...

Matt with a group after a Good Conversations workshop

FUNDING FOR BEFRIENDING PROJECTS IN WALES
With our Social Connection Small Grants Scheme, Churches and Christian-aligned groups operating in Wales can receive cash and support to run projects that reduce loneliness in their community.
befriending.co.uk/small-grants-announcement
#WelshCharitiesWeek

Wythnos Elusennau Cymru / Welsh Charities Week. 9 -13 Chwefror / February 2026. Gwna dy ran a newid bywydau / Play your part, change lives.

This week is #WelshCharitiesWeek!
We're celebrating the incredible voluntary organisations in Wales helping people to create friendships and connections. Discover our members in Wales in our directory: befriending.co.uk/organisation...

COVID-19 Day of Reflection. 8 March 2026

Sunday 8 March is the COVID-19 Day of Reflection. People across the UK will come together to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic and honour the work of all those who volunteered and showed acts of kindness during this unprecedented time. Take part: dayofreflection.campaign.gov.uk

Linking Lives Cymru - Befriending Networks Jump to English Linking Lives Cymru Cynllun Grantiau Bach Cysylltiad Cymdeithasol (Cymru) Ydych chi’n rhan o eglwys neu sefydliad Cristnogol yng Nghymru sydd â phrosiect neu syniad i helpu pobl sy’n t...

Are you part of a church or Christian-aligned organisation in Wales that wants to help people feel less lonely? We've partnered with Linking Lives UK to launch a new microgrant to support projects that help build social connection.
befriending.co.uk/linking-live...
#wales #cymru

Please take one minute to nominate us for the Movement for Good draw to receive £1000. Your nomination will help us to keep supporting befriending projects to deliver high quality services that build meaningful connection. Thank you! 🌈

movementforgood.com/draws/1000/?...

Peer discussion was greatly organised. Very insightful! It’s lovely to realise that we all have similar difficulties and sharing ideas makes it easier. - Roadshow 2025 attendee Book for 2026 at befriending.co.uk/roadshow-2026

We're excited to kick off our Roadshow in Cardiff next month! Join your peers from the befriending and wider voluntary sector to listen, learn, and share. befriending.co.uk/roadshow-2026/

Wishing you a restful and nourishing festive season - we look forward to seeing you in 2026! ✨

The Befriending Networks office will be closed from Wednesday 24 December to Sunday 4 January. From Friday 19 December, we will be operating on limited staff capacity, so response time may be longer.

Introduction to Befriending Networks. Tuesday 9 December, 13:00 - 14:00

Interested in joining our network? Come along to our short introductory session on Tuesday 9 December to get all the information you need about Befriending Networks membership.

Book now: befriending.co.uk/product/intr...

Leaders and Managers Network: Reflections on the Year 2025/ Monday 8 December 12:30 - 13:30

Planning for 2026? Get ideas and inspiration at our Leaders and Managers Network on Monday 8 December. This session will help you stop and reflect on the year, share your success with colleagues and set some goals for 2026.
Book now: befriending.co.uk/product/lead...

We're supporting A Manifesto for Social Connection

Loneliness is a public health crisis - and we’re taking action 💔

The Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness has launched a manifesto calling on the next Scottish Government to make tackling loneliness a national priority.

👉 Learn more by reading: befriending.co.uk/social-connection-manifesto

Vital Skills: Train the Trainer - Befriending Networks Join Train the Trainer to develop skills as a training designer, facilitator & evaluator through 3wEees of independent learning, live sessions & assignments

Well done to our three trainers, and best wishes for the volunteer training they are now set to prepare, facilitate and evaluate ✨

Looking to improve your training skills? Join Befriending Networks in February for Train the Trainer befriending.co.uk/product/vita...

Week Three: Evaluation
Our group explored various evaluation methods, considering their strengths and appropriate uses. Participants engaged in self-reflection and peer assessment to deepen their understanding of the evaluation process and identify areas for continued growth.

Week Two: Facilitation
Our group demonstrated their facilitation skills, taking turns to lead a 15-minute session they'd prepared, providing a sample of interactive training. Each participant emphasised the importance of managing the learning environment and setting a positive, engaging tone.

Week One: Preparing
Our group reviewed the responsibilities of a trainer, reviewing objectives and how best to create equal opportunities for participant success. We explored strategies for accommodating diverse learning styles and ensuring that all learners feel supported.

A huge congratulations to our November class of Train the Trainer. Emma (Dial Barnsley), Jess (The Helpful Bureau) and Rasha (CCAWS) have dedicated three weeks to the course and building their confidence as trainers through a blend of interactive virtual classes and e-learning.