Befriending

Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK Stockport - Head Office's catchment area.

Email: Roisin.Lynch@ageukstockport.org.uk
Telephone: 0161 938 0659

Befriending is about supporting people by building meaningful connections. It involves volunteers providing companionship to individuals who may be isolated or lonely, and helping them to get better connected with their community. These regular conversations can make a world of difference.

What is Befriending?

Befriending is about supporting people by building meaningful connections. It involves volunteers providing companionship to individuals who may be isolated or lonely, and helping them to get better connected with their community. These regular conversations can make a world of difference.

Volunteers are matched with an isolated person in the Stockport area based on similar interests and values. Befrienders will then visit this person in their own home, once a week for an hour or so. Visits vary from person to person, but usually include things like a general chat and catch up, simple activities such as games or puzzles, and offering emotional or practical support to help them re-engage in their local community.

How Does Befriending Benefit You?

For some people, befriending offers more than just someone to talk to—it can be a valuable lifeline. It helps combat loneliness, boosts mental well-being, and fosters a sense of belonging. The Befriending service can help people to feel more valued, confident, and engaged with the world around them.

Why is Befriending Important?

Loneliness, especially among those in later life, is a growing concern, with many lacking regular social interaction. Befriending provides a simple yet impactful way to bridge this gap. By fostering these relationships, we can create a more connected and compassionate community, where no one feels forgotten.

For more information please contact

Roisin Lynch, Befriending Service Manager
0161 938 0659
Roisin.Lynch@ageukstockport.org.uk