Befriending

Time to Talk Befriending in Brighton is an intergenerational befriending charity for isolated and lonely people aged 65 and over. It has a proven track record of helping older people reconnect to their communities through friendship and companionship with volunteers of all ages. Time to Talk Befriending now has over 300 volunteers, over 30 of which are Brighton College pupils.

Aims

Time to Talk Befriending in Brighton is an intergenerational befriending charity for isolated and lonely people aged 65 and over. It has a proven track record of helping older people reconnect to their communities through friendship and companionship with volunteers of all ages. Time to Talk Befriending now has over 300 volunteers, over 30 of which are BC pupils.

Background

Isolation and loneliness is a huge issue affecting many members of society, but particularly the elderly. Brighton College partnered with Time 2 Talk Befriending in order to provide regular visits to elderly members of our local community on a weekly basis. Training for all pupils was provided by Time 2 Talk befriending before sessions commenced.

Resources

Pupils spend one hour visiting each week, it is coordinated by the Head of Community Service.

Impact

Charlotte, Time to Talk Befriending Scheme member aged 89 years: “Before I met you, I didn’t used to care if I lived or died. Now I want to live forever! I never thought I could make such trusted friends at my age.”

I just absolutely love meeting the lady I befriend every week. She improves my day if anything else and it is such a pleasure being able to spend time with her.”

Time to Talk befriending have seen a dramatic improvement in their members’ wellbeing, as well as seeing an increase in the number of referrals being made to them by health or social care professionals or organisations such as the police. Evidence also shows that volunteers are just as likely to positively benefit from the experience as the people they help, feeling valued and building friendships enhance feelings of wellbeing which strengthens resilience. All volunteers complete an evaluation form at the end of the year, and each year 100 per cent would recommend befriending to others.

Pupil Involvement

Over 30 pupils each year, all pupils are members of the sixth form at Brighton College.

Frequency

Weekly during term time and ongoing.