Befriending
If you can’t get to Wimbledon Guild, we’ll come to you
Befriending is about community and connection.
Nearly all of us have felt lonely at some point in our lives, and it can be hard to start up conversations with people you meet out and about.
If you can’t get to Wimbledon Guild, we’ll work to connect you with one of our wonderful Volunteer Befrienders.
Volunteer befrienders typically spend an hour visiting their client at their home, or other befriending volunteers offer support over the phone. This may be on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.
Who we can help
We can match you with a Wimbledon Guild Volunteer Befriender if you:
• Are aged 50+
• Live in Merton
• Are housebound
• Live alone
• Have been diagnosed with a long-term health condition
That doesn’t describe me, tell me about other ways to meet new people
Who we can't help
Our Befriending service is provided by volunteers so unfortunately we cannot help everyone.
For instance, we may be unable to support people with complex mental health issues, complex cognitive or memory issues, or those who are unable to engage fully, appropriately and respectfully with us. We assess each referral on an individual basis.
Contact us
To find out more, please get in touch:
Tel: 020 8946 0735 (Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm)
What our volunteers say
"I work full-time in Wimbledon, but volunteering has made me feel more connected to those in the local community."
"I signed up to the befriending service hoping to try and make a difference to someone's life, I soon realised it makes such a positive difference to my life too".
“It's lovely to help others doing something I enjoy and with others who have similar interests. I've met some lovely people - both clients and volunteers.”
Become a volunteer Befriender
If you can spare an hour every week, fortnight or month to support someone with a cup of tea and a chat, you can make a huge difference to someone’s life.
More people than ever are asking for our help so please get in touch – there’s always someone waiting for your visit, meet-up or call!
We’ll be here to support you and will keep in touch regularly to see how you’re getting on.
Contact the Merton Community Hub
For help connecting with local services and community groups
Visit PageHelp us make sure that no one in Merton has to face life's challenges alone
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