Community Befriending is a LifeLine Projects programme designed to support residents who are feeling lonely or lacking in social contact. Our team matches volunteer befrienders with those in need of friendship and connection, with each relationship bolstered by group support and activities.
Currently, Community Befriending is available in Waltham Forest. If you’re a resident and you’d like to find a friend, or if you’d like to generously volunteer your time to support others, please see our page for more information.
When Stella† first joined the coffee morning at Walthamstow Library, she was nervous and unsure what to expect. Having spent a long time feeling isolated and without a strong support network, even attending a community group felt like a big step. She explained that she had recently needed someone to collect her from hospital but realised she had no-one to turn to.
That’s why she came to LifeLine.
Stella’s loneliness had been growing for some time, but that first coffee morning marked the start of something new, a chance to reconnect with others and rediscover her confidence through friendship.
And, although what Stella needed most in that moment was a friend, it was clear to our team from the start that she had the potential to be a befriender for others in the future.
The coffee mornings offer a warm, inclusive space for local residents to connect over conversation, refreshments, and shared experiences. The sessions are open to everyone, from parents and carers to older residents, people with health challenges, and those new to the area.
Building trust and belonging
From her first visit, Stella was warmly welcomed by staff and other residents. The friendly atmosphere helped her feel at ease, and it wasn’t long before she started to open up.
“We make sure everyone feels included,” said one of the session leads. “We encourage everyone in the group to help create a welcoming space by being friendly, making drinks for others, and ensuring everyone is involved in the conversation. Creating these welcoming spaces is the first step to building welcoming communities.”
The turning point came when Stella met Kate†, another newcomer. Kate is deaf and communicates using British Sign Language (BSL). She had often struggled to connect with others due to the lack of BSL users in the community. When she discovered that Stella was also fluent in BSL, something clicked between them. The two spent the morning signing, laughing, and sharing stories, forming a connection that brought visible joy and energy to both of them.
That shared language created more than just a friendship—it built a bridge of understanding and belonging. Both women said they felt more confident and comfortable after that day, and they’ve continued to attend regularly ever since.
New confidence, new steps
In the weeks that followed, Stella began to take more active steps toward rebuilding her independence. She expressed a desire to return to work and has started looking for local opportunities with the support of the Lifeline team. Staff also arranged for a befriender to meet her after her hospital appointment, ensuring she feels supported as she continues her journey.
“She said thank you and told us she’d definitely come again,” her mentor shared with a smile. “It might sound small, but moments like that show real progress. It’s the moment when someone begins to believe they belong again.”
Lasting impact
Stella’s experience highlights the power of community led spaces to reduce loneliness and strengthen wellbeing. Through the Community Befriending programme, she has gained new friendships, confidence, and a renewed sense of hope.
Today, Stella continues to attend sessions each week, often alongside Kate. Together, they remind us of what can happen when people are given the chance to connect through empathy, understanding, and shared humanity.