Celebrating Befriending Week: Making connection as a carer.
Befriending Week is here—a time to celebrate the transformative power of connection and companionship. This annual event, from November 1st to 7th, highlights the impact of friendship and the importance of social support, especially for those who may feel isolated. At Carers Support, we’re proud to join in this celebration by shining a light on our own Check-In and Chat service.
Why Befriending Matters
The impacts of social isolation and loneliness can be profound. Research shows that loneliness can significantly impact mental health, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and even physical health challenges. For carers, these feelings can be especially acute. Many spend so much time dedicated to supporting their cared for that their own needs for companionship and connection can go unmet.
This is where a befriending service, such as our Check in and Chat, makes a real difference. Befriending services connect people to volunteers who offer consistent, friendly, and compassionate support. The relationships that form through these services are built on trust, empathy, and a shared sense of understanding, offering people a way to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Our Telephone Befriending Service
Carers Support West Sussex offers a telephone befriending service, called Check in and chat. We, carers support, currently have ten check in and chat trained volunteers. From January 1st, 2024, until the 28th of October, there have been 9,349 minutes on check in and chat calls.
The volunteers are matched with a carer and booked in advance for the same time either weekly/fortnightly or monthly. The calls can help carers to:
- Feel less isolated and alone in their caring role
- Increase social connections
- Feel more able to access services available in the community
One carer said: “They connect me. I am all on my own. I have two daughters, but one in Devon and the other in Norwich. One granddaughter locally but don’t want to impose, so talking to the (befriending) volunteer helps and it makes me feel like part of the family”.
At Carers Support, we believe in the importance of creating spaces where carers can connect and feel supported. Our Check-In and Chat service is designed to offer exactly that—a friendly voice at the other end of the line, ready to listen, chat, and provide a connection point for carers. “I made a good friend with very helpful conversations.” Anonymous, carer who accessed the Check in and Chat service.
These conversations can be about anything: the ups and downs of daily life, a shared interest, or simply a friendly check-in to brighten someone’s day. The impact of these conversations often goes beyond just the moment; for many carers, knowing that someone will reach out regularly can be a great source of comfort and reassurance.
Thinking About Becoming a Befriender?
For our volunteers, the experience is just as rewarding. Building these connections gives them the opportunity to give back to their community in a truly personal way, hearing the stories, perspectives, and resilience of the carers they support.
If you’re interested in making a difference in someone’s life, consider volunteering for our check in and chat service. Befriending is a unique opportunity to offer companionship and make someone’s day just a bit brighter, all through the power of conversation. With just a small commitment of time, you can create a meaningful connection that supports the wellbeing of both the carer and yourself.
Find out more about the befriending role here.
Join Us in Celebrating Befriending Week
This Befriending Week, we encourage everyone to think about the value of connection. Whether it’s through a friendly conversation, a small act of kindness, or simply lending an ear, let’s work together to reduce isolation and create a community where everyone feels connected.
If you’re a carer who could use a friendly check-in, we’d love to hear from you! Learn more about our Check-In and Chat service here.
Let’s celebrate the power of friendship and make a difference, one conversation at a time.
