About

I believe that we need to tackle the pernicious issues of loneliness and social isolation. I have taken up the challenge to run, walk or cycle 5 kilometres each day for 50 days and hope that my efforts can also raise some funds for Befriending Networks, an organisation which supports the work of befriending services right across the country. Befriending services recruit and train volunteers who are then carefully matched with vulnerable, excluded or marginalised people . Volunteer befrienders provide a massively important service. Sometimes they are the only people who visit a lonely person who is not paid to do so. Befrienders can accompany their befriendee on outings, particularly as they may have lost confidence in going out alone. They can provide support, companionship and a listening ear. Befriending Networks ensures that people who support volunteer befrienders have all the resources, information and training they need. They connect befriending services with one another, encouraging them to share best practice, exchange ideas and mutual learning. They work to raise the profile of befriending and highlight the issue of loneliness. They have an annual Befriending Week to raise awareness of the great work of befriending services across the country, and to celebrate the brilliant work done by befrienders everywhere. Please help me to support them by making a donation to their fantastic work.