iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 01/10/2026

It's 1 month to go until we kick off #BefriendingWeek! 🤩 There are lots of ways to join in. Grab your Befriending Week resources at befriending.co.uk/bw-resources!

1 month to go! Befriending Week 1 - 7 November

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 24/09/2026

Are you based in the Scottish Highlands and passionate about supporting your community? Our members Badenoch and Strathspey Community Connections are looking for a new Volunteer and Befriending Coordinator. Apply by 30 September 2026. Find out more: befriending.co.uk/member-vacan...

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 01/09/2026

It's 2 months until #BefriendingWeek! This year, our theme is "Supporting each other through meaningful connections". 🎉 Join the campaign with these handy resources: befriending.co.uk/befriending-...

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 24/07/2026

We can't believe it's 100 days to go until Befriending Week 2026! Kickstart your planning by joining our fun and fast-paced interactive session on 18 August. You'll get fresh ideas and take the first steps to build a plan that works for you. befriending.co.uk/product/netw... #BefriendingWeek

Befriending Week Plan notebook illustration

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 17/07/2026

We're excited to announce the team of freelance specialists who will be working with us on the Connected Lives project! Find out more about the team here: befriending.co.uk/connected-li... Free Connected Lives Dementia and Social Connection training in Scotland: befriending.co.uk/connected-li...

Edel Roddy, Dementia and Social Connection Trainer. Sean Catlin, Videographer. Dr Victoria Jupp Kina,
Project Evaluator.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 14/07/2026

We recently said goodbye to our Membership Services Manager, Nicola, who is leaving Befriending Networks after a very happy 4 years and 4 months. She is moving on to a new position in the Community Engagement Team at Mencap. Thank you for all your incredible work, and best of luck! 💜💚🧡

Collage of photos of Nicola and the Befriending Networks team

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 25/06/2026

Do you lead a team in a befriending organisation? Explore how you can build your skills and confidence with our Good Practice course, starting Wednesday 19 August. Book now: befriending.co.uk/product/mana... #SmallCharityWeek

Management and Leadership in Befriending Projects. Online (Live Zoom + e-learning). 5 weekly sessions, starting Wednesday 19 August.
befriending.co.uk/events
Topics include: Operations, Workplace culture, Performance and motivation, Induction, Boundaries, Impact, Teamwork, Time management, Project planning, and more!

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 24/06/2026

One of the reasons our network is so incredible is because our members share their experiences and expertise to help others navigate running a befriending project. In our new podcast, Ania from Wimbledon Guild shares how they approached the Excellence Award. befriending.co.uk/organisation...

Podcast: In conversation with Wimbledon Guild, Quality in Befriending Excellence Award holders

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 23/06/2026

This week, we're celebrating all the incredible small charities working to help build social connections and reduce loneliness and isolation. 🎉 Did you know that Befriending Networks is a small charity too? Find out how you can support our work: befriending.co.uk/support/ #SmallCharityWeek

We're small in size but big in impact. Small Charity Week, 22 - 29 June.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 17/06/2026

This #LonelinessAwarenessWeek, we invited Rayella Broomhead, Programme Manager at b:friend, to share the importance of giving loneliness a voice. Read the full blog: befriending.co.uk/law26-bfriend

A befriender and her match sharing afternoon tea in a London Bus. B:Friend guest blog: "No one should have no one."

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 16/06/2026

Inspired by the lives and experiences of people seeking sanctuary, Refugee Week 2026 is inviting everyone to explore the theme of Courage. Explore befriending services supporting refugees in the befriending directory: buff.ly/RDpsi28

Bright orange text repeating the word "Courage!". Refugee Week, 15 - 21 June 2026.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 16/06/2026

What's a lesson you wish you'd learned sooner? What's your most treasured possession? What was your favourite game as a child? Every conversation you have helps build connection. Try out our Conversation Starter Cards to get the conversation flowing this #LonelinessAwarenessWeek: buff.ly/AYcT7aZ

A messy pile of cards with questions on them, such as "What quality do you value most in a friend?"

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 15/06/2026

We're supporting Loneliness Awareness Week (15 - 21 June). Loneliness is a normal human emotion, and befriending helps people build meaningful connections that make them feel seen and supported. Find a service near you: befriending.co.uk/organisations-directory #LonelinessAwarenessWeek

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 12/06/2026

Are you a carer for someone living with dementia? We're developing a free e-learning course for volunteers and carers to offer practical guidance and confidence-building advice about dementia and social connection. Sign up for release updates: befriending.co.uk/connected-li... #CarersWeek

An older woman showing a smiling younger woman a picture on her phone at a community event.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 11/06/2026

Next week is #LonelinessAwarenessWeek! If you're based in Scotland, come to our online Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness to take a post-election look at the political landscape for action on social isolation and loneliness in Scotland. Book your free spot: befriending.co.uk/product/scot...

befriending.co.uk

Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness (16 June 2026) - Befriending Networks

These are not training events but an opportunity for peer learning and building connections with others in community work.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 11/06/2026

Want to become a more confident leader? Each run of our Management and Leadership course is custom-curated to your questions, needs and challenges, so you'll get all the answers you need. Book for the August/September run: befriending.co.uk/product/mana...

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 10/06/2026

It's Age Without Limits Day, when we question ageism. Befriending Networks members across the UK and beyond are working to create a society where age never limits anyone’s opportunity. Discover befriending services for older people in our directory: buff.ly/QaL51KY #AgeWithoutLimitsDay

It's Age Without Limits Day, and we're questioning ageism. Will you join us?

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 08/06/2026

This year, Carers Week is all about building carer-friendly communities. Some of our members offer fantastic befriending services to help carers and care-experienced people build friendship and social connection. Explore our directory to discover more: befriending.co.uk/organisation... #CarersWeek

Helping to build carer-friendly communities. Carers Week.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 05/06/2026

If you've thought of volunteering as a befriender but feel a little nervous, check out our short "How to..." series for befrienders. You'll learn how to have your first conversation, build connections and signpost your match to support. 👉️ befriending.co.uk/e-learning/#forvolunteers #VolunteersWeek

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 05/06/2026

Today kicks off and amazing weekend of friendship, food, fun and action. The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are teaming up on 5–8 June for one big do: a chance to meet, eat and lend a hand locally in UK’s biggest celebration of community. Find ideas and printable resources at thebigdo.com

What will you do? The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 04/06/2026

To celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026, we’re offering a 10% discount on our new Volunteer Retention e-learning course until Sunday 7 June 2026. Use the code celebrateVW26 on checkout to get the full course for just £27 (or £36 for non-members). befriending.co.uk/product/e-le... #VolunteersWeek

Volunteers’ Week offer: Get 10% off our new Volunteer Retention e-learning course with code celebrateVW26. Expires Sunday 7 June.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 03/06/2026

Our network is full of incredible befriending staff who bring their insights and ideas to every networking session. At our 2026 Roadshow, we ask attendees: How do you recruit and retain volunteers? Head to our blog for their inspiring suggestions! befriending.co.uk/vw26-roadshow/ #VolunteersWeek

Attendees at the Cardiff Roadshow chat during the discussion about recruiting and retaining volunteers.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 02/06/2026

With youth loneliness on the rise, it's more important than ever that young people have access to social connection through activities like befriending. Come along our networking event next week to join the conversation: befriending.co.uk/product/netw... #PowerofYouthDay

Collage of flowers and a landscape with handmade text reading Common Ground. Power of Youth Day, 2 June 2026. #iwill movement.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 01/06/2026

It's Volunteers' Week! 🎉 Befriending is possible thanks to the incredible contribution of volunteers befrienders who give their time to help reduce loneliness. Thank you! Discover 5 ways to celebrate and support your volunteers in 2026 on our blog: befriending.co.uk/vw26-resourc... #VolunteersWeek

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 28/05/2026

The team at SWAN Women's Centre are celebrating achieving their Quality in Befriending Excellence Award. SWAN Women’s Centre provides services that support and empower women and teenage girls across Sefton and Liverpool. Well done to the whole team! 🏆️ Read more on our blog: buff.ly/NOPaum7

Two members of the SWAN team holding their Quality certificate in front of a SWAN banner

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 22/05/2026

Do you work in a befriending project supporting people with dementia? Get the knowledge and tools you need to make a positive impact at our Dementia and Befriending course. We had a fantastic session with our February cohort - join the next session on 17 June! befriending.co.uk/product/good...

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 21/05/2026

This Dementia Action Week, our Learning and Development Manager, Victoria, is sharing her insights into the importance of dementia training, and why we're offering it to Scotland's third sector for free through the Connected Lives project. Read more: befriending.co.uk/why-we-run-t...

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 20/05/2026

Bookings will soon open for our free dementia and social connection training in Scotland. Sign up to get project and event updates: befriending.co.uk/connected-li... 18 - 24 May is Dementia Action Week, which brings people together to act on dementia.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 18/05/2026

Did you know that many of our members offer dementia-friendly befriending services? Search our directory to find one near you! buff.ly/zhxHUhi This week is Dementia Action Week, when people come together to raise awareness of dementia and take action as a society.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 18/05/2026

18 - 24 May is Dementia Action Week, which brings people together to act on dementia. Visit the Alzheimer's Society website to join the Forget Me Not appeal and show your support. www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved...

1 in 3 people born in the UK today will develop dementia. It will take a society to beat dementia. Alzheimer's Society. Donate, get your badge and show your support by visiting alzheimers.org.uk/forgetmenot

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 14/05/2026

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week! Volunteering as a befriender is a fantastic way to take action in your community and help people experiencing loneliness feel more connected. Search for a project near you in our directory: befriending.co.uk/organisation...

Action for someone else. We all have a role to play in creating mentally healthy communities, schools and workplaces. And doing something for others is good for our own mental health too. Together, we can turn awareness into action. Mental Health Awareness Week. 11 - 17 May 2026

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 13/05/2026

We've added a few extra spaces to our previously sold-out Manchester Roadshow event on Wednesday 20 May. Head to our website to grab your tickets: befriending.co.uk/product/2026...

Manchester Roadshow
Wednesday 20 May 2026
10:30 - 14:30
Friends Meeting House, Manchester

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 05/05/2026

🥳🎉 YOU’RE INVITED: Join a weekend of friendship, food, fun and action on 5–8 June 2026 The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are coming together for one big do, and everyone’s invited! Find ideas and get a free pack 👉 www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-do

edenprojectcommunities.com

The big do - Eden Project communities

The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are teaming up on 5-8 June for a weekend of friendship, food, fun and action – and everyone’s invited!

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 04/05/2026

Learn how to protect the wellbeing of your staff, volunteers, service users and organisation with our upcoming Vital Skills course on Risk Management on Monday 11 May. befriending.co.uk/product/vita...

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 01/05/2026

Are you ready to celebrate your incredible volunteers? 🥳 It's just one month until #VolunteersWeek so head to their website for all the info and resources you need to take part. 👉️ volunteersweek.org

Get ready for Volunteers' Week 2026. 1 - 7 June. #VolunteersWeek

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 30/04/2026

We hope you've had an inspiring and insightful Global Intergenerational Week! ✨ In 2025, we contributed to a Europe-wide programme for the promotion of active and healthy ageing in rural areas. Explore the reports: www.fundaciondiagrama.es/en/m/envejec... #GIW26

fundaciondiagrama.es

Programme for the promotion of active and healthy ageing in rural areas | Fundación Diagrama

Throughout 2025, Fundación Diagrama is carrying out the Programme for the promotion of active and healthy ageing: A comparative study on the actions of the Third Sector of Social Action in Spain and…

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 29/04/2026

In the Scottish Highlands, the loneliest age groups are the oldest and the youngest adults. Our Highlands Conference in March highlighted the need for building connections between people, organisations and different generations. Read our Conference Report: befriending.co.uk/highland-con... #GIW26

befriending.co.uk

Befriending Networks and Befrienders Highland launch Highlands Conference report - Befriending Networks

In March 2026, over 50 people gathered in Inverness for the first Social Isolation and Loneliness in the Scottish Highlands Conference. In this post, Executive Director of Befrienders Highland,…

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 28/04/2026

To mark Global Intergenerational Week 2026, we’re looking back at last month’s Campaign to End Loneliness Roadshow in Edinburgh. The event showcased and celebrated the incredible impact of social connection interventions across generations. Read on our blog: befriending.co.uk/giw26-ctel/ #GIW26

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 27/04/2026

One of the incredible things about befriending is how it connects people of different ages, backgrounds and life experiences. If you want to explore integrating intergenerational work into your befriending service, check out our videos and resources: befriending.co.uk/giw26-resear... #GIW26

befriending.co.uk

Celebrating the power of intergenerational practice (Video + infographic)

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 25/04/2026

If you're meeting someone new, you might feel nervous. "What if we have nothing to talk about?" If you're new to befriending, we've got you covered. Check out our free e-learning for volunteers - you and your match will be chatting away in no time! befriending.co.uk/e-learning/#... #GIW26

befriending.co.uk

E-learning - Befriending Networks

Boost your skills and confidence with our on-demand training for befriending staff and volunteers.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 24/04/2026

With less than 2 weeks until Scotland takes to the polls, we call for social connection and loneliness to be made a public health priority. In this post, we share manifestos from the Scottish Forum on Isolation and Loneliness and Generations Working Together. befriending.co.uk/giw26-manife... #GIW26

befriending.co.uk

Advocating for intergenerational practice and social connection in the Scottish elections

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 24/04/2026

It's Global Intergenerational Week, when communities across the world celebrate the power of connection between generations. Befriending can be a great way of creating friendships with people who are older or younger than you. Explore our directory: befriending.co.uk/organisation... #GIW26

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 23/04/2026

Looking for volunteers? 👀 The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are coming together this summer and encouraging people everywhere to meet, eat and lend a hand on 5–8 June. Add fun, flexible and beginner-friendly ways people can volunteer on GoVo or the big do map 👉 rebrand.ly/thebigdo-orgs

Friendship, fun and getting stuff done! The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out are teaming up on 5-8 June for one big do - and it's the perfect opportunity to find volunteers to lend a hand! Find out more at thebigdo.com

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 22/04/2026

We're excited to announce Connected Lives, our new project strengthening social connection and dementia-inclusive volunteering in Scotland’s communities. Find out more and sign up for updates: befriending.co.uk/connected-li...

Connected Lives: Dementia-Aware Volunteering. Strengthening social connection and dementia inclusive volunteering in Scotland

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 20/04/2026

Have you booked your free spot for our Edinburgh Roadshow? Join us next Wednesday (29 April) to meet new people, troubleshoot issues and get inspired! befriending.co.uk/product/2026...

befriending.co.uk

2026 Roadshow - Edinburgh - Befriending Networks

These are not training events but an opportunity for peer learning and building connections with others in community work.

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 15/04/2026

The Volunteers' Week 2026 toolkit is now live! Head over to their website to download resources for social media and events, add a story to their Padlet or grab merch from the shop. volunteersweek.org/resources

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 15/04/2026

Looking for an opportunity to utilise your skills for a good cause? We are recruiting two trustees to join the Befriending Networks board: • Member Trustee • Appointed Treasurer If you're interested, we'd love to hear from you! Find out more on our website: befriending.co.uk/trustee-vaca...

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Befriending Networks @befriending.co.uk · 10/04/2026

Want a fun way to bring your community together and celebrate your volunteers? If you are a charity or organisation wanting to celebrate your volunteers or welcome new faces to volunteer, this webinar is for you. Join online on Tuesday 14 April: www.tickettailor.com/events/edenp...

tickettailor.com

Book here – Lunch and Learn: How to say thanks with a Big Lunch this Volunteers’ Week – Microsoft Teams

Lunch and Learn: How to say thanks with a Big Lunch this Volunteers’ Week – Microsoft Teams, Tue Apr 14, 2026 - If you are a charity or organisation wanting to celebrate your volunteers or welcome…

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