We all crave human connection, yet not everyone is fortunate enough to have it.

For those who find themselves isolated due to health challenges, disabilities, or social disadvantages, the presence of a befriender can often be the missing piece in their lives.

The Befriending program with Bromley Council offers “supportive, reliable relationships” through volunteer befrienders to people who would otherwise be socially isolated.

Around the UK there are befriending projects which organise effective support for children and young people, families, people with mental ill health, people with learning disabilities and older people, amongst many others.

Befriending often provides people with a new direction in life, opens up a range of activities and leads to increased self-esteem and self-confidence.

Here are some of the befriending services in Bromley:

Bromley Home Library Service

This complimentary service is accessible to all Bromley residents who are unable to visit their local library. Volunteers will pay you a monthly visit for a friendly chat and bring a selection of items you prefer, including hardbacks, paperbacks, large print and talking books, books in various languages, music CDs, DVDs, and any information you may require.

Bromley Libraries

Bromley Libraries offer a variety of activities for parents and children, book clubs, and other events. These can be accessed either through the Library Without Walls or in-person.

Bromley Well

As a part of the Bromley Well suite of services, Age UK Bromley and Greenwich administers the Community Befriendship Service for individuals aged 65 and above. This service, free of charge, provides telephone befriending, home visits, and assistance in enabling people to socialize, make new friends, and engage in social activities.

Careplus

 A registered charity, Careplus extends complimentary volunteer support to seniors aged 65 and over throughout Bromley. This support can include shopping assistance, befriending, transportation to local destinations, and gentle exercise classes.

Dementia Befriending Service

The Dementia Befriending Service pairs volunteers with clients who have been diagnosed with dementia and are registered with the Bromley Dementia Support Hub. Volunteers typically spend a few hours each week providing companionship, encouragement, and support, including activities like shopping trips and leisurely park walks.

Kent Association for the Blind

KAB offers volunteer befrienders to individuals of all ages experiencing sight loss, either through in-person visits or telephone support.

The Maypole Project

The Maypole Project offers a befriending service for adults who have a child or young person with a complex medical illness or disability.

Mindful Mums Befriending in Bromley, Orpington

Mindful Mums Befriending in Bromley offers pregnant women and new mothers regular one-to-one practical, social, and listening support.

Re-engage

Re-engage provides support for individuals aged 75 and over. They organize Sunday afternoon tea parties and offer call companions, a free service for older people who live alone and would appreciate a friendly phone call every week or two. Additionally, Rainbow Call Companions connect members of the LGBT+ community with befrienders who share the same identity.

Royal Voluntary Service

The Royal Voluntary Service assists older people in living independently in their own homes, offering services such as befriending and Bromley's home library service.