OPINION

Our communities need befriending - but services are overstretched

27 October 2025
by Susan Hunter

This summer, Befriending Networks checked in with their members in a membership survey. Here, Susan Hunter shares some of the research findings.

The 2025 Befriending Networks Sector Insight Report provides a clear and timely picture of the befriending sector’s vital role and identifies the urgent challenges it faces.

This year’s findings are striking: demand for befriending services is very high, with 72% of member organisations reporting increased need. Yet the sector’s ability to respond is met with significant barriers, including rising operational costs, volunteer shortages and growing waiting lists.

Befriending services report increased referrals, increased matches and increased waiting lists, but staffing levels remain largely unchanged. Our befriending workforce is working at or beyond capacity. The sector is strained.

Behind these numbers are real lives: including children, young people, older adults, refugees, carers, disabled persons and those living with illness, chronic conditions or poor mental health. All are relying on the dedication of over 21,000 volunteer befrienders who collectively deliver more than 1.6 million hours of befriending support each year.

The message from our members is clear: sustainable funding, investment in volunteer recruitment and retention and recognition of befriending as an essential service are urgently needed. Without decisive action, the risk is not only to individual wellbeing, but to the fabric of our communities. Our communities need befriending.

As Befriending Week approaches, this timely report sets out the scale of the befriending sector and illustrates the challenges we face. The report is brought to life by the voice and experiences of our members.

Key findings

Demand and capacity

72% of member organisations report increased demand for befriending services.
Over 7,400 people are currently waiting to be matched with a befriender.
21,024 volunteer befrienders deliver more than 1.6 million hours of support annually.

Workforce and volunteering

27% of members report a decrease in volunteer numbers, while 39% report an increase.
61% of members had experienced increased operational costs in the past year.
Staffing levels have largely remained unchanged, despite increased demand and matches.
The workforce is under considerable strain, with many organisations working at or beyond capacity.

Key priorities for the future