One Conversation at a Time: How Befriending Reduces Loneliness

Healthwatch Greenwich partnered with Live Well (CACT) to deliver a short-term befriending service for up to 15 residents from June to September 2024. Unlike some other befriending initiatives, this service was inclusive, accepting referrals from Live Well coaches for residents across all age groups, offering access for those in need of support. The service offered personalised companionship and assistance, designed to reduce feelings of isolation and promote mental well-being. Through a team of trained volunteers, HWG provided support in a variety of formats—including in-person visits, well-being calls, and online interactions—ensuring that residents could engage in ways that suited their preferences and circumstances.

All residents receiving befriending expressed how much they valued the human contact it provided. For some, volunteers were the only people they spoke to regularly. The regular conversations with their befriender allowed them to feel seen, heard, and valued. Having someone to chat with—whether it was about shared interests, daily experiences, or simply enjoying a casual conversation— fulfilled a very human need for connection. While many clients faced long-term health conditions and lived with challenging personal circumstances, befriending offered a source of companionship. These interactions brightened their day and offered a sense of comfort, reminding them they were not alone. While it is not a solution to many of the deep-seated and long-standing issues they were managing, befriending is a tool for creating more connected lives, one conversation at a time.