Befriending
Everybody should have somebody. We match people with people to create friendships that make life better. We’ve been doing so for over 25 years. In that time, we’ve seen loneliness eased and lives changed – all through the simple power of human connection.
Last year…
579 people supported through befriending
13,415 hours of support given
Create valuable friendships
“We both benefit. I get a different perspective on life.”
Share interests & experiences
When we match people we consider their backgrounds and interests – we will tell you some basic things about each other to help you both feel comfortable when you first meet. Being able to talk about your thoughts and the things you like makes it easy for a friendship to grow naturally.
Improve confidence & self-esteem
As well as social visiting, a befriender can help you with things you’re not too confident with – like going for a walk or to a local cafe for a cup of tea.
“My befriending match gets a lot of enjoyment out of our meetings. She looks forward to our time together.”
Live happier & healthier lives
We all deserve to feel happy and healthy. Befriending is a simple way of connecting with others, which can be a big help – both for you and your befriender.
“We enjoy our time together and look forward it. We usually have a good time talking about life and other topics.”
Who we can help
Together Co Befriending offers friendship to residents of Brighton & Hove who are experiencing loneliness and social isolation and are:
over the age of 50 with limited to no social connections
or over the age of 18 with health conditions causing isolation
or are a carer to these groups
Before you refer someone to us, please note that our befriending service is designed to support people experiencing loneliness and social isolation by providing companionship and connection. Where someone’s needs require more specialist or intensive support, we may recommend or signpost to an alternative or more specialised service.
Our process
- You or someone on your behalf can contact us via our online form, phone, email, or post.
- Our Connection Hub will reach out to understand your situation and needs.
- They may refer you to other services or provide simple guidance if more appropriate.
- If befriending is suitable, a team member will arrange an assessment to determine the best support.
- We match you with a befriender based on location, interests, and shared characteristics.
- Once both parties agree, you’ll start to meet or chat regularly, on your own terms.
- If you’re joining a group, we’ll discuss transport needs and help you choose a suitable group.
- We maintain contact with service users and are available whenever you need support.
Together Co is delighted to be a partner in the city’s Ageing Well Partnership which aims to help people make the most of the opportunities that being older and wiser can bring.
We match people for face-to-face befriending, telephone befriending and group befriending.
“I always feel better after Liz has visited. From our time together, I’ve learnt you can make a new friendship at any age.”
Volunteer as a Befriender
It’s amazing what we can achieve together. Give us a little of your time and we’ll help you make a big difference in your local community.
Latest Befriending post
Making sure everyone feels like they belong has always been at the heart of what we do
Together Co supports people across Brighton and Hove who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation, and want to feel a part of their community, when they might be struggling with their confidence and connecting with others.
