Although we only currently offer services in Berkshire, there are a number of different projects across the UK that offer Befriending Services for LGBT+ people. If there’s a project missing that you’re aware of, please send us the details so we can add them.
Belfast
The Rainbow Project provides a Befriending Service that offers befriendees six sessions with a volunteer befriender. During these sessions the befriender will support the befriendee to try out new social experiences, try new things and join new groups which will give the individuals opportunities to meet new people and build up their social connections.
The Befriending service offers both present and past befriendees the opportunity to stay in contact and be part of a group by offering 3 befriending social events each month, which are:
- First Wednesday Film Night – This takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at the LGBT centre from 7.15pm – finish
- Befriending Trans Group – This group meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 7pm-9pm in the LGBT centre.
- Social Saturdays – This takes place on the second Saturday of each month. This activity gives people the opportunity to come together in a group to visit different locations in Belfast as well as outside Belfast, visit museums, visit different exhibitions and also a wide range of other activities throughout the year.
Birmingham
The Birmingham LGBT Centre offer a volunteer-led befriending phone service for those that feel alone. This is not a support service or chat line, but the opportunity to talk to a friendly LGBT person or ally in an informal and safe environment, at a time when online video calls may be norm for current times, but not be right for everyone. That human contact over the phone could just be the thing that puts a smile on the face of another, helping them get through these unforgettable socially distancing times that we currently find ourselves in.
London
Opening Doors London runs a Befriending Service for LGBTQ+ people aged 50 and over who are feeling isolated.
Living in London can become a lonely experience as you grow older, especially if you can’t get out and about as you used to. Having someone to spend time with and talk to can make all the difference.
The Befriending Service aims to reduce the stress of loneliness and isolation, increase peoples’ confidence, and enable members to maintain their independence. It is also a great way to spend time with someone else who identifies as LGBTQ+.
Manchester
The LGBT Foundation is a national charity based in Manchester with a wide portfolio of services. Those who sign up for the service will be allocated a buddy, who will have received training from LGBT Foundation and have passed a DBS check. You will then “get-together” over the phone with them for a brew and a chat at least once a week for around 30 minutes. After 8 sessions over one or two months you will graduate from the programme and be given access to our range of LGBT Foundation groups