Here at Changing Lives Together we aim to help people across Cheshire who are over 18 and living with loneliness or isolation in one of the most effective and simple ways possible - simply by giving them the opportunity to talk.

We help people in two primary ways, telephone befriending and face to face befriending. Take a look below on what a befriending journey looks like!

Our clients are either self-referred or referred by one of our partner agencies- ie. GP surgeries & Social Prescribers, organisations and charities.

Our team assess each referral on an individual basis and need, depending on their circumstances, abilities and requirements.

Clients that are able to and would like to interact with others, our team would recommend one of our Warm Welcome groups or a group close to where they live.

Each community group we recommend, one of the team would have visited and have all the necessary information,. We can arrange for a volunteer, to accompany them on their first visits to ensure they feel safe and comfortable

·Those within our service that are currently receiving telephone support and feel they would like to attend a group and meet new people; we would help with the transition of this on to the next stage - the Warm Welcome group.

They will be offered a service

What we would like to achieve

If the client is house bound, has physical disabilities, or other issues that prevent them from leaving the home then they are assessed for the telephone service. They will then be matched with a suitable volunteer who is matched with them, based upon the clients likes, hobbies and interests

Become a volunteer!

For Terms and Conditions click here

Ultimately, our goal is to help individuals build their social lives while being a trusted support system they can rely on. We’re here to provide a safe, welcoming environment where people feel at ease, and to gently encourage them to step out of their comfort zones, grow in confidence, and forge new friendships

Below is a real life story on how we have helped a lady called Beryl.

Make a referral

I was referred to the buddy and befriending telephone service by my Social Prescriber in June 2023.

I was matched up with a volunteer between July 2023 - June 2024 and then another volunteer from June 2024.

I was told about a Warm Welcome group that is hosted by the befriending team, but I was really nervous about going alone. My lovely volunteer Emma had suggested that they go together to the first meeting.. I was excited and anxious to get out of the house again and meet up with people of a similar age and situation to myself.

I had the most fantastic time. at the group and I was made to feel most welcome. I had a lovely conversation with Jean and enjoyed a delicious slice of cake.. I realised I had nothing to be nervous about.

I loved the group so much I kept going back each week., and I ended up making my own plans with my friends from the group. We loved going walking together.

We can help many more people like Beryl to feel less isolated and give them the confidence to meet new friends. This is what we do at The Buddy and Befriending Scheme,

The real Beryl!

I’ve had such a fun time with my new friends, i feel like a whole different person. Each week we’ve been doing new activities and i didn’t realise that it had been weeks since my last phone call with my befriender.

I spoke to the befriending team and i decided that i no longer need the telephone befriending service. I really appreciate the team, and my buddy, for giving me the confidence to join the group and make new friends. My whole life has changed for the better and it is because of this scheme.

Our Warm Welcome Groups are a friendly, open space where anyone can come along and enjoy good food, great company, and a bit of fun. Each week, we gather in a warm, welcoming environment to share a delicious hot meal and treats, with some light entertainment to brighten the day. It’s a safe and relaxed place to meet new people, have a chat, and feel part of a community.

While some of these groups are run by us, there are many more Warm Welcome spaces or groups out there that aren’t directly run by Changing Lives Together—but we’re here to help you find the right one. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of groups across Cheshire and can share as much information as possible to help you find the support, company, or simply a warm space that suits you best.

Lesley Moore

Head of Community Support

Peter Marsden

Lead coordinator

Julie Birtwistle

Coordinator

Lee Moran

Wellbeing assistant

07919327131

befriending@changing-lives-together.org.uk