What is Buddy and Befriending?

Here at Changing Lives Together we aim to help people across Cheshire who are over 18 and living with loneliness or isolation in one of the most effective and simple ways possible - simply by giving them the opportunity to talk.

We've been doing this since 2018 and our beneficiaries come to us from a wide range of sources such as: GP Surgeries, Social prescribers, housing associations, councils, social workers and support workers. We carefully match them with a volunteer who they can enjoy a friendly, interesting chat with once a week.

There is no single cause of loneliness, and no single solution but a simple connection to another person is one of the most important steps towards reducing social isolation and improving mental and physical health...

What services do you offer?

Telephone Befriending

Our main service is telephone befriending. When we get referrals through we learn as much as possible about the person and their needs. From there we will carefully match them with one of our volunteers and start their befriending journey. Each week they can expect a call from their volunteer to have a friendly chat.

Our volunteers can talk to you about anything and everything! You can sit and do crosswords together, discuss local and world events, what is on TV, happy memories, favourite food and animals... the list is truly endless!

We want you to feel comfortable, happy and feel like you have a friend.

Refer myself or someone I know

For Terms and Conditions click here

Are there specific requirements to qualify for telephone befriending?

Everyone thinks and feels different, you don't have to have any specific requirements to sign yourself, or someone you know up to our scheme. We take anyone who is over 18 years old as a befriendee.

Do you experience any of the following feelings?

Lonely

I have no one to talk to

Sad

Left out

Anxious

Depressed

Confused

Worried

Missing out

Up and down

Ignored

Cold

Angry

Unhappy

No one listens to me

I have no one

Annoyed

Stressed

Fed up

Face to face befriending

We understand that some people prefer to connect in person, and we are pleased to offer opportunities for face-to-face interactions through our group. This also gives those who work within our telephone befriending service an opportunity to join in with the groups and meet others.

The Warm Welcome Group

This is a free to join group, and is for people who are lonely and isolated and simply want to make friends! We offer you a warm welcome in a warm space where we enjoy a lovely lunch along with fun, laughter and chatter.

Where?

Rudheath Social Club,

235 Middlewich Road,

Rudheath,

CW9 7DN

When?

Every Wednesday 11:30am - 1:30pm

You don't need to contact us to join, just turn up on the day!

We are aiming to expand our warm and welcome groups throughout the area, with the aim of creating more opportunities for people to connect and build meaningful relationships. Follow us for more updates!