Befriending Week: Celebrating Connection and Community

This Befriending Week, we’re celebrating the power of friendship and connection – and how a simple conversation can make such a difference to someone’s life.

At Mind in Harrogate District, we know that loneliness and isolation can affect anyone, at any age or stage of life. Our Befriending Service is here to offer people across Harrogate, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Nidderdale, Ripon and Masham a friendly face and someone to talk to when things feel difficult or lonely.

We match people with a volunteer befriender for regular meet-ups – often an hour a week – to enjoy a walk, a chat over coffee, or another simple community activity. These friendly meetings can make a big difference to wellbeing, helping people feel more confident, relaxed, and connected to others.

Our Befriending Co-ordinator carefully meets with anyone referred into the service to learn about their needs and find the best match. Each new pair begins with a supervised meet-and-greet to make sure both people feel comfortable. From there, regular visits are arranged – simple, consistent, and built around trust.

The Difference It Makes

Between April 2022 and March 2025, our befriending service continued to grow and reach more people:

• 196 referrals were made into the scheme

• 62 individuals accessed the service

• 48 volunteers joined as befrienders

• 32 befriending pairs were meeting regularly by March 2025

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 98% of people rating the service as good or very good.

After spending time with their befriender:

• 60% felt more optimistic about the future

• 60% felt more relaxed

• 40% felt closer to others

• 40% said they were thinking more clearly

• 40% felt better able to deal with problems

We’re delighted that new funding will allow the service to continue and grow through 2025–2028, so even more people can benefit.

The real impact of befriending can be seen in the stories shared by the people who take part.

“I wasn’t sure at first, but now I’ve found a really good friend. It’s been excellent for me.”
— Service user, aged 70s

“Befriending gives me something that’s just for me. I look forward to our chats every week.”
— Volunteer befriender

“Meeting my befriender has given me that gentle push forward. It’s been the best mental health support I’ve found.”
— Service user, aged 30s

“The service has been a lifeline. It’s an important part of my week.”
— Service user, aged 50s

These moments of connection – sharing stories, laughter, and time – are at the heart of what befriending is all about.

Could You Be a Befriender?

We’re always looking for kind, reliable volunteers who can give around an hour a week to support someone locally.
You don’t need special experience – just a listening ear, empathy, and an open mind. We’ll provide all the training and ongoing support you need.

Volunteers often tell us they gain as much from befriending as they give. It’s a chance to make a real difference and feel part of a caring community.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to access the service, volunteer as a befriender, or simply find out more, please get in touch with our Befriending Co-ordinator on 01423 503335 or email
[email protected]

We can meet you locally to discuss how the service works and answer any questions you may have.

This Befriending Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved – our volunteers, our befriendees, and the wider community that helps make these connections possible.

Because when we reach out, listen, and share time together, no one has to feel alone.