On 10 March 2026, LifeLine Projects attended the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee at Waltham Forest Town Hall. The meeting was an opportunity to share progress from the Community Befriending programme and highlight the difference it is making for local people.
The programme, which began in April 2025, supports adults aged 18 and over who may be feeling lonely or disconnected. Through one-to-one support, group activities and a strong network of volunteers, the project is helping people build confidence, form friendships and feel part of their community again.
Since launching, the service has made strong progress. There are now 97 trained volunteers supporting residents across the borough. Together, they have delivered over 500 home visits and created more than 130 befriending relationships. Weekly coffee mornings held in local libraries have also become a welcoming space where people can meet, talk and feel at ease.
At the scrutiny meeting, both volunteers and a service user shared their experiences. Chris, who is part of the programme, spoke about how it helped him reconnect with others and rebuild his confidence. His story had a powerful impact in the room, with many people moved by his honesty.
The event went really well. It was great to see how everyone comes together to support the community. Chris spoke about how he has made friends and connected back into his community through the Befriending project. You could feel the quietness in the room.
Sunita Mandalia
Senior Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteers also shared why the programme matters to them. Richard said, “Volunteering is my way of giving back to our community. I want to help others.” Sanah added, “This project means so much to people and gives them a chance to meet others and find their way back into their community.”
Stories like these reflect what the data is also showing. People using the service are building routines, forming friendships and feeling more connected. Some who once felt isolated are now attending sessions regularly, supporting others and even helping to run activities.
The programme also works closely with local partners and community groups, helping to reach more people and offer support in ways that suit them. Feedback from partners has helped the service grow, including offering more flexible support such as phone calls alongside face-to-face contact.
While the service is still in its first year, the foundations are strong. LifeLine Projects continues to listen, learn and adapt, with plans to grow the volunteer base, reach more communities and support even more people across Waltham Forest.
At its heart, the Community Befriending programme is about people. It is about creating spaces where conversations happen, friendships grow and no one feels alone.