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BEfriend

BEfriend is a registered charity (no 1072538) established in 1994. We provide one-to-one volunteer befriending to people all across the London Borough of Ealing who are experiencing isolation and loneliness

friend.london/ Fundraise for us
hello@befriend.london

020 3093 1130

Registered charity no. 1072538

Member since October 2022

Latest News

Creating connections over an afternoon tea- all thanks to Taylor Vinters!

Creating connections over an afternoon tea- all thanks to Taylor Vinters!

BEfriend has been working to reduce isolation and loneliness in the London Borough of Ealing since 1994. We recruit and train volunteers who visit people who are lonely with the aim of reducing that loneliness. The visits from the volunteer befrienders make a huge difference and are really appreciated by our clients. However, we know that one visit each week, cannot completely eradicate the isolation that they feel. In 2019, BEfriend put together a strategy for the following five years, and as part of this, it was recognised that the ultimate aim of befriending should be for the befriended person to no longer need us! We do not want people to stay lonely, we want this to change!

As a result of this, we planned to hold regular events where volunteers and clients can come together and create new connections. Our first event was due to happen in April 2020, however due to the coronavirus pandemic, this had to be cancelled. On 1st October 2022 we were finally able to hold our first ever client and volunteer Afternoon Tea Party which was attended by 17 volunteers and 17 clients.

The atmosphere at the event was brilliant, and there were no awkward silences. Everyone was chatting and laughing like they had known each other for ages. People were able to make new friends and in one case catch up with an old one, as one guest said: “I met an acquaintance from years ago which was very nice, and I hope to see her again at another event!”

Our guests enjoyed sandwiches followed by cupcakes and scones with jam and clotted cream, all washed down with plenty of cups of tea or coffee. We were then all entertained by a local magician who did a magic show followed by individual tricks around the tables.

We received excellent feedback at the end of the event, with suggestions for next time! One person wrote: “I can’t wait for next time, to meet new friends!”

This event was possible thanks to Taylor Vinters, whose first year trainees had chosen BEfriend as one of their charities to raise funds for. The funds raised not only went towards this event, but will go towards a further 3 events over the next year!