Befriending services in Bromley can help residents to connect with their communities and tackle loneliness and social isolation.
Loneliness can affect people of all ages and at any time in life, so for Befriending Week (1 – 7 November 2022) Bromley residents are urged to explore and engage with local services and activities if they, or someone they are concerned about, are experiencing loneliness.
Councillor Mike Botting, Executive Assistant for Adult Care and Health and Loneliness Champion said, “Connection with others and your local community is fundamental in protecting your mental health, and befriending is one way of alleviating experiences of isolation by bringing people together who have similar interests and want to connect. Let Befriending Week inspire you to seek out the support you may need to reconnect; tomorrow could be the first day of a lifelong friendship with someone new!”
Forming strong and supportive relationships can be made easier with the support of local befriending services and there are many on offer in Bromley to support people from all ages. Some established befriending services within the borough include:
Bromley Well offer over 65’s access to community hubs, wellness phone calls, and locations to visit to make new friends in a warm and welcoming setting. There are walking groups, technology clubs, and exercise classes which are suitable for all abilities.
The Bromley Home Libraries Service and volunteers from the Royal Voluntary Service work together to deliver books straight to your door and strike up a friendship at the same time. If you enjoy reading and find it difficult to get to your local library, then this may be the perfect service for you. This service can be used for people of all ages.
Simply Connect Bromley is an online directory with information on over 1000 events and activities in Bromley. There are numerous befriending services on Simply Connect Bromley to explore if you are looking for support and encouragement from a specific organisation or group.
Befriending has the power to change lives and be a positive influence on children and adults alike. There are exciting volunteering opportunities happening locally throughout Bromley. There are openings at CarePlus and Bromley Dementia Support Hub to make a positive impact to those in need. Community Links Bromley is the one-stop-shop for all volunteering and befriending opportunities in Bromley. Sign up to their volunteering newsletter to keep up to date with which local organisations and charities need your help.
Community Links Bromley: www.communitylinksbromley.org.uk/
Simply Connect Bromley: bromley.simplyconnect.uk/
More information about befriending services and opportunities in Bromley can be found at: www.bromley.gov.uk/befriending
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- For media enquiries, please contact Liam Scoble in public affairs, on 020 8313 4688 or email liam.scoble@bromley.gov.uk