Loneliness, a pervasive issue affecting individuals across all demographics, can have significant impacts on mental health and well-being. ELFT's Befriending Service, led by service user and manager Matt Preston, has been at the forefront of combating this issue since its inception in April 2020 during the first COVID-19 lockdown.
The Evolution of the Befriending Service
Initially launched to provide a friendly voice during the isolating lockdown period, the Befriending Service has grown significantly. From a small group of service users and volunteers, it now supports around 300 individuals weekly with a dedicated team of 70 befrienders. This growth underscores the persistent and widespread nature of loneliness beyond the pandemic.
Building Connections and Trust
The success of the Befriending Service lies in its personalised approach. New referrals are matched with befrienders based on shared interests, hobbies, and backgrounds, ensuring a strong foundation for building rapport. The befrienders, all of whom have lived experiences of loneliness and isolation, bring empathy and understanding to their roles, fostering trust and genuine connections with service users.
“We know what it feels like to sit on a hospital ward, to deal with medication side effects, and to feel isolated in our own homes,” says Matt Preston. “This lived experience is invaluable in building trust and offering meaningful support.”
Training and Support for Befrienders
Befrienders undergo specific training, including safeguarding, and are supported through regular one-on-one sessions and mentoring. This support system ensures that befrienders can handle sensitive conversations effectively while maintaining their own well-being. The service also emphasises the importance of recognising signs of fatigue and taking necessary breaks.
Positive Impacts and Success Stories
One poignant success story involved a service user who, after receiving support, expressed a renewed desire to live, a testament to the profound impact of the service.
Approximately 12% of current befrienders are former service users, showcasing the service’s potential to transform lives and empower individuals to give back to their communities.
Addressing Loneliness and Isolation
Loneliness often correlates with unemployment, as the lack of a social circle and financial constraints can exacerbate feelings of isolation. The Befriending Service collaborates with the Trust’s employment steering groups to help service users find job opportunities and regain a sense of purpose and connection.
The pandemic heightened awareness of the negative effects of loneliness, prompting community initiatives and local council efforts to create supportive spaces. This increased awareness has led to more resources and a collective push to address loneliness across various demographics.
Future Plans and Community Involvement
Looking ahead, the Befriending Service has exciting plans to expand and innovate, including supporting service users post-IAPT (talking therapies) and recruiting members from the Ukrainian and Afghan communities to better serve diverse needs.
For Loneliness Awareness Week, the key message is clear: “No one should feel isolated.” ELFT encourages everyone to reach out and have genuine conversations, as small acts of kindness and connection can significantly impact someone's life.
To get involved or learn more about the Befriending Service, visit the ELFT Befriending Service webpage or contact the team at elft.befriendingservice@nhs.net
Final Thoughts
Matt Preston offers poignant advice for those struggling with loneliness: “Don’t be ashamed of it. Reach out and tell somebody. It might be the hardest thing you ever have to do, but it does get easier. You are never as alone as it might feel, and you’d be surprised how many people experience loneliness and isolation; trust us, we should know.”
Loneliness Awareness Week is a vital opportunity to shine a light on this often-overlooked issue and celebrate the incredible work of services like ELFT's Befriending Service in making a difference, one conversation at a time.