This November, we’re supporting Befriending Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness about befriending and highlight the power of social connection in reducing loneliness and social isolation.
Loneliness affects 1 in 6 people across the world. Befriending brings people together for planned social activities, building meaningful connections and reducing loneliness.
Befriending Week takes place from 1 to 7 November every year. It’s a chance for communities to raise awareness about befriending, celebrate the contributions of befriending volunteers and the staff who support them, and advocate for befriending to local and national decision-makers.
Reading Voluntary Action will be marking the week by sharing stories of those doing their bit to help combat loneliness and social isolation. We will also be highlighting opportunities to play your part in making a difference locally.
How to get involved
There are lots of ways you can join the Befriending Week campaign – every voice matters! You might:
- Share a befriending story on social media using the hashtag #BefriendingWeek
- Host or attend a befriending celebration event in your local area
- Search the Befriending Networks directory to connect with a local befriending project as a volunteer or service user
- Sign up for a Befriending Week event
- Write to your local politician asking them to show their support for befriending
To find out more, visit befriending.co.uk/befriending-week/get-involved.
You can also follow Befriending Networks on LinkedIn, Facebook or Bluesky for the latest campaign updates.