Befriending

We are proud to be part of a national network of projects through Linking Lives UK.

Linking Lives UK exists to reduce social isolation and loneliness, with a particular focus on older people. This is achieved by working in partnership with churches and Christian organisations to set up befriending projects.

Here at Transforming Notts Together, we aim to facilitate churches and community groups to set up local befriending projects in order to combat loneliness across our county. The current coronavirus crisis has made it difficult to do this through home visiting so we offer support to establish telephone befriending through the ‘Two’s Company’ model.

Two’s Company can be set up quickly, easily and safely. Each project requires a coordinator, a freephone telephone number and volunteers. Training is provided for coordinators via a video conference call and then spread out to volunteers locally.

A number of local churches are already running projects and here’s what they have to say….the benefits to both the volunteers and the befriended are very impactful..

“ The calls to XXX have been going fairly well I think. Once they get going, there’s no stopping them at times! They have had some really interesting experiences in their life, and some tragic ones too, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them. I think it’s really helped my own confidence too, that I can do something like this and it’s helped me learn to listen more.”

“We decided together that the time was right for the calls to end as they are now getting on really well in life, things are really looking up for them. Thank you for letting me be a part of this journey, I’m so glad I’ve had the opportunity to help someone through this challenging time.”

Positive comments from Eastwood Two’s Company

Late last year I was invited to attend a newly formed Community Action Group and was able to offer Two’s Company as part of the solution to a growing problem of isolation and loneliness within our community. As a result our church has been welcomed as a valuable contributor to the group which has, in turn, opened other doors for more church involvement and an appreciation that the church can be an active contributor within the community. Where historically there were barriers that prevented our involvement we are now seeing a change of attitude and a new openness towards the churches becoming more involved…a win-win situation!

Next Steps...

If you are interested in setting up a Two’s Company befriending service from your organisation, please contact Julia Terry for more information.

We are really excited about this work and are keen to hear from anyone who is interested in finding out more, letting us know what they are already doing in this area or who would like to partner with us- please do get in touch!