Befriending in Barnet
Services from Wellbeing Partners
The following organisation is part of the integrated Wellbeing Sevice in Barnet and offers a befriending service.
Barnet Friends
What is it?
Barnet Friends is a telephone befriending service for adults from 18 to 55 who may be experiencing isolation or loneliness.
How can it help me?
Vetted volunteer befrienders are matched with individuals to provide companionship and emotional support. They also offer information about a range of activities and services that can help increase confidence, reduce isolation, encourage access to the local community, develop hobbies and interests, and connect individuals to other forms of support.
How do I access it?
Barnet Friends is available to individuals:
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Aged 18–55 who live, work, or study in Barnet
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Who need emotional support or simply someone to talk to
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Who are experiencing loneliness and want to reduce social isolation
The service supports individuals without a mental health diagnosis, as well as those with low to moderate mental health needs (e.g. low mood, anxiety, moderate depression, obsessive compulsive disorder).
Please note: We are currently unable to accept clients with a severe mental health diagnosis or those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Contact details: 020 8016 0016 | Befriending@cbplus.org.uk | www.cbplus.org.uk
Download Referral Form Download Referral Criteria Guidelines Download Public Information
Case study
Mary* has been matched with her befriender since November. Despite her referral form indicating she had 'very mild' mental health symptoms, it was clear that she was severely depressed in the early conversations between her and the befriender.
She would never leave her home, often spoke about the trauma she had experienced between her and family, could not keep to any appointments and was often without heating or electricity as she could not afford to pay it. She also complained she had no food in her fridge and could not afford to eat.
Our befriender provided her with information where she could apply for various cost of living grants, information on local food banks she could access, and how to receive food vouchers. After some persuasion she accepted referrals to Boost and Citizens Advice Bureau to help her apply for grants; whom have made contact with her.
Despite being resistant to accepting a Social Worker and any mental health support, she did accept a counselling referral through her GP which we arranged on her behalf. We were also able to secure a crisis loan and a Waitrose Food voucher through Boost.
Client Testimonial
'Barnet Friends has been an integral service to me over the last eight months. I have struggled with loneliness and social anxiety me entire life, and find it hard to make friends, or even talk to people my own age. Barnet Friends provide me with a space to talk about whatever I want on a weekly basis'
Wider befriending services available in Barnet
The following organisations offer a great range of wellbeing services in Barnet and although not directly commissioned through the wellbeing service they offer really valuable and speacilsed support.
The Befriending Service
What is it?
The Befriending Service is for Barnet residents, aged 55 and over, lonely and isolated due to frailty or physical disability. Age UK Barnet carefully matches vetted volunteers with Barnet residents. Relationships normally involve regular home visits for a chat and a laugh.
How can it help me?
They carefully match vetted volunteers with Barnet residents. Relationships normally involve regular home visits for a chat and a laugh. Some matches may also involve outings to shops or parks, help with paperwork, and modern technology. The befriending service has adapted to the Covid crisis. It has established an additional Telephone Pal service whereby most volunteer/client interaction is via telephone or online. There is more emphasis on enabling people to find information and safe social outlets.
How do I access it?
If you or someone you know is interested in the Befriending Service, please contact Age UK Barnet. An information pack and referral form will be sent to you.
Contact details: 020 8432 1416| info@ageukbarnet.org.uk | www.ageukbarnet.org.uk
High Barnet Good Neighbours Service
What is it?
The High Barnet Good Neighbours Service has been supporting local residents for over 40 years. It provides face-to-face befriending for people aged 55 and over who live in the Chipping Barnet area (EN5 postcode).
How can it help me?
This service is ideal for individuals who are feeling lonely or have difficulty leaving their home. A friendly volunteer can visit you at home or accompany you on a walk, offering regular companionship and emotional support.
How do I access it?
Please get in touch via:
Telephone: 020 8441 5678
Email: highbarnet@goodneighbourscheme.org
Website: https://www.goodneighbourscheme.org/
Good Neighbour Scheme for Mill Hill and Burnt Oak
What is it?
This service supports residents aged 55 and over who are lonely or housebound in the Burnt Oak or Mill Hill areas of Barnet.
How can it help me?
You can receive fortnightly visits from a friendly volunteer for a chat, a cup of tea, a game of Scrabble, cards or chess, or even a short walk around the local area. If you prefer, volunteers can also offer support over the phone.
While befriending visits are free, there is a small charge (£7–£8) if a volunteer accompanies you to a venue by car or public transport.
How do I access it?
Please get in touch via:
Telephone: 020 8906 3340
Email: info@thegoodneighbourschememhbo.org.uk
Jewish Association of Mental Illness (JAMI)
What is it?
Jami is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes mental health and wellbeing in the Jewish community. Based in Barnet, they offer a range of services, including befriending, to support Jewish adults with their emotional wellbeing.
How can it help me?
Jami’s Compeer Befriending Service matches clients who self-identify as Jewish with trained volunteers who offer practical support and companionship. Support can be provided face-to-face, over the phone, or via Zoom whatever works best for the client. Volunteers can also accompany clients to a coffee shop or appointments, helping to reduce isolation and build confidence.
How do I access it?
Telephone: 020 8458 2223
Email: emma.reynolds@jamiuk.org
Website: https://jamiuk.org/
You can self-refer or refer someone else via their website: Make a referral – Jami UK