Befriended was born out of a desire and passion to make a difference in the lives of lonely, isolated, older people living in Mid-Sussex. Befriended began with a group of people from local churches with a shared passion to make a difference. Read more about our story here.

We have all now experienced what it is like to feel lonely and isolated due to having lived through a pandemic and being forced to spend more time on our own in our own homes.  Our hope is that this will make all of us more aware, supportive, responsive and reactive towards those who have long term ongoing loneliness and isolation.

During the winter of 2020/1 ONS survey results show that loneliness in adults increased to 7.2% (3.7 million people). For those over the age of 75, the feeling of loneliness over lockdown didn’t change.

In Mid-Sussex 7.9% of adults feeling lonely often or always, one of the highest areas in the South East.

Together we can make a difference to those in our community who are lonely and isolated.