BEfriend is closing
Information, next steps, FAQs and support.
Photo: Alex Sturrock, courtesy of Around Ealing magazine
Conversations with clients and volunteers have taken place and we are now able to share more information about the closure, about what support we can offer, and about the impact that everyone connected with BEfriend has had over the years.
Since 1994, our Befriending Project has supported people in West London who are isolated and sometimes housebound. They may have a physical or sensory disability, or they may have mild dementia. Our Linked Minds Befriending Project has supported people who are isolated because of a diagnosed mental health problem. Our services will come to an end on 12th June and the charity will close at the end of June.
Message from the Trustees
On behalf of the Trustees of BEfriend, I am saddened to share the news that, after over 30 years of operations, we have made the extremely difficult decision to close.
While the work of the charity remains vital, the financial backdrop for small charities like us has become increasingly challenging, and we have not been able to secure sufficient funds to ensure a sustainable future for the organisation.
It is our intention to end our operations at the end of June. Until then, our priority will be supporting our clients and volunteers. We will be communicating with all volunteers and clients individually over the coming weeks.
We will also take time to celebrate all that BEfriend has accomplished. Over the last 30 years, the services we have provided have been life-changing for many, and we remain hugely proud of all that we have achieved.
Julia Macrae, Chair of Trustees
20th March 2026
What happens next?
Timeline showing expected key dates in the closure process
What happens next?
Timeline showing expected key dates in the closure process
Frequently asked questions
I’m a client. Will I continue to be supported?
We understand that this has been challenging news for our clients. To ensure that we’re best able to support everyone at this time, our Befriending Coordinators have been contacting all clients individually. Our services will officially stop on Friday 12th June.
I’m a volunteer but I haven’t heard from you. What do I do?
We have contacted all volunteers, so we’re very sorry that you’ve not received a message. In the first instance please check your spam folder. If there’s nothing there, please email hello@befriend.london.
Is there any extra support available at this time?
We are offering two online training courses – available to volunteers – designed to help in this difficult time:
Ending Well
This course is for volunteers ending their befriending with their clients. It will give you some pointers as to how to have a good ending.
Continuing Connections
This course will give you some ideas about how to move forward with visiting your client after BEfriend has closed.
Both courses are quite short, 90 minutes. You may sign up for both if you like.
Volunteers – to sign up, please visit the Volunteer Hub
I referred someone to your service. What do I do?
We’ve been in touch with the agencies and organisations who refer the most clients to our services directly. If you made an individual referral, we may not have been in touch with you. Our Befriending Coordinators have been contacting all clients, and if they feel that they need to speak with you, they will be in touch.
Finding support after BEfriend
As BEfriend prepares to close, we want to help clients, referrers and volunteers find other sources of support and community connection. Below are links to some services that may be able to help:
For Clients
In the first instance, our advice is to speak to your GP. These organisations may be able to provide support:
For Volunteers
If you are considering other volunteering opportunities, EHCVS might help:
For those who need to take a detailed approach to finding services, there is a downloadable Signposting Guide on our Volunteer Hub.
The services, drop-in centres and places to meet listed below have been recommended to us:
Ealing
St Barnabus Memory Café
“For all in our local community where those suffering from any form of memory loss, together with their carers, can come to spend time in fellowship in a non-threatening environment.”
07968 345992
valerieanneaitken@gmail.com
MindFood CIO
“We provide free support for people with mental health issues. Helping to improve wellbeing through gardening, mindfulness and creativity.”
07720 092954
info@mindfood.org.uk
Solace Centre
“Ealing’s daily out-of-hours mental health resource centre combating loneliness and isolation through social inclusion.”
0800 328 4444 (urgent)
0800 064 3330
wlt.pals@nhs.net
Hounslow
The Wellbeing Network (The Art Centre)
“The Hounslow Wellbeing Network is a vibrant community dedicated to enhancing mental and physical wellbeing for all. The wide range of events we organise is shown with dates, times and locations.”
0207 947 9263
hello@wellbeinghounslow.co.uk
Wellbeing & Recovery College
“A training and resource centre which develops and delivers education and tools to support wellbeing and the self-management of mental health difficulties.”
020 8483 1456
wlt.bookings.recoverycollege@nhs.net
The Star Centre
“If you have mental health issues, our drop-in centre in Hounslow can help you to socialise and meet other people with similar experiences, to build a support network.”
07930431595
info@eachcounselling.org.uk
Please note that BEfriend cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information about the services listed – please contact the organisations directly for confirmation.
Our latest podcast
In the final episode of our podcast ‘BEfriend Voices’, Chair of Trustees Julia Macrae joins Bernadette Moore to talk about the events that led to the closure and what her time at BEfriend has meant to her.
Click ‘play’ below to listen to the latest episode:
Listen to previous episodes on our podcast page.
Celebrating our impact
In September 1994, the Volunteer Link Scheme – later to become BEfriend – was set up as a small project within Ealing Voluntary Service Council. Since that modest beginning over 30 years ago, nearly 700 volunteers have supported over 3,400 people.
The Volunteer Link Scheme expanded dramatically following its launch, securing funding from the National Lotteries Charities Board before achieving registered charity status in 1998.
With a small passionate team of staff and some amazing volunteers, we set about tackling social isolation and loneliness, creating connections and providing one-to-one befriending.
The Linked Minds project was started in September 2018, providing a recovery based befriending service with specialist mental health training for Befrienders and, in 2021, funding from the Henry Smith charity enabled us to expand our support.
Meanwhile, in 2019, after much discussion with clients, volunteers and supporters, we changed our name to one that truly reflected what we are about – BEfriend.
There have been some memorable annual volunteers day get togethers and picnics over the years. There have been some wonderful trips too – most recently there were outings to see the London Christmas lights and the delights of Kew Gardens.
Our tea parties have been particularly popular as a way for clients and volunteers to meet up and socialize and our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has given their time to make the events such a success.
It has become a tradition that every client receives a seasonal hamper at Christmas, funded by donations to our BEfriendship Tree and with hampers packed by volunteers from Cranford Community College.
We know how much these hampers have meant to our clients. They have offered not just treats, but a sense of inclusion and the reassurance that someone is thinking of them at a time that can feel lonely.
After helping our clients through the pandemic, with all its challenges, in 2023 we expanded into Hounslow, where we have received over 500 referrals.
In 2025, BEfriend won a ‘One Hounslow Community Stars’ Award and members of the team were honoured to attend the ceremony at Hounslow House to receive the award.
