Befriending services
These schemes allow you to stay in touch over the phone, either through regular one-to-one chats or as part of conversation groups. Some offer a range of other wellbeing services.
General
One Westminster offer a range of befriending services, including for older people, those with learning disabilities and a general ‘check in and chat’ service open to all. Email: [email protected] or call 07484 542229
The Abbey Centre offer a friendly voice to isolated people in South Westminster, and provide helpful information including links to food distribution and prescription runs. They work with people of all ages, and specialise in English, Arabic, Bengali and Spanish languages. They also offer a range of other wellbeing support, including online exercise, yoga, nutrition advice and a book club.
The Help Hub is an online therapy service offering free 20-minute sessions aimed at people who are self-isolating or struggling, with therapists across the UK
Older people
Age UK Westminster offer telephone befriending 2-3 times a week for older people as well as a range of other support services, including help with shopping or food delivery
The Silver Line run a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They can connect you to someone to have a weekly chat or to a group of people with shared interests.
Octavia Foundation offer one to one and group befriending for anyone over 50 living in Westminster
Neighbourcare is a befriending organisation for older people living in NW8, W9, and nearby areas in Westminster. They have several Spanish speakers amongst their team of volunteers.
In-Deep offer a befriending and home visiting scheme for older people living in South Westminster, and a range of other social activities.
Independent Age Telephone Befriending service for older people regularly connects you over the phone with someone who cares
Other groups
Mind provide information and signposting to anyone experiencing mental health problems.
DeafBlind UK offer a befriending service for people with combined sight and hearing loss.
The Passage match former rough sleepers who may be socially isolated with volunteers from all over London.
Opening Doors London runs a befriending project for older LGBT men and women who may be more isolated and cut off from society in general and specifically from the LGBT community.
Families
Westminster Befriend a Family provide practical and emotional support to parents with children aged five and up and young people aged 10 - 25
Family Lives offers a confidential and free helpline for families in England and Wales.