A Spotlight on Group Befriending and Social Connection
31st March 2026
Befriending Networks‘ Membership Development Manager, Nicola, explores how group befriending can offer exciting new experiences while also increasing the capacity of befriending projects.
As we see a rise in waiting lists for 1:1 befriending services, it is becoming more and more important for some projects to take a different approach to befriending by introducing things like group activities, wellness sessions, or group befriending.
Group environments create accessible pathways to connection and can complement 1:1 support. Since 2020 we have seen a rise in hybrid approaches among our members of Befriending Networks. Our membership comprises of telephone, face to face, 1:1 and group befriending services.
Why group befriending might be an option for your organisation
Simon Moxon, the founder of technology platform Together.ly, says:
“Most befriending services run on the same model. One volunteer, one person, one visit. It works. It’s proven. But it’s also hard. Hard to recruit for, hard to sustain, and hard to scale when your waiting list keeps growing. There’s another way, and it’s surprisingly simple. Group befriending.”
When thinking about organisations that require volunteer support, we know that time and commitment can prove challenging and if working in the traditional model of one volunteer supporting one person the capacity of support available is often limited.
Simon went on to tell us:
“One volunteer can facilitate a session for eight or more people. That’s not just more efficient, it’s a fundamentally different experience for the volunteer. They’re a host, not a lifeline. They’re keeping energy up and conversation flowing, not carrying someone’s emotional wellbeing on their own shoulders.
“This isn’t about replacing face-to-face befriending. It’s about reaching people you currently can’t reach, with a model that’s sustainable and scalable.”
What is group befriending?
Group befriending is a type of social support where a small group of people come together regularly, usually with trained volunteers, to build friendships, share conversations, and enjoy activities in a safe, welcoming environment. Group befriending can also be facilitated by staff or guest instructors/facilitators.
In chatting to some of our members, we discovered themed sessions are often more favourable than open chat sessions as it takes the service user into a more focused session, whether it be craft activities, gardening, floristry or cheerleading.
Becky Newton and Nicola Zielinski-Gray from our membership team certainly enjoyed a group befriending session with B:friend in Sheffield a few months ago.
Nicola commented:
“The session was lively; it had several volunteers in the room and seeing how groups connected was wonderful in a non-pressurised environment”
What are the benefits of group befriending?
Our vision at Befriending Networks is of a society where quality befriending support is available to everyone who needs it, and the importance of meaningful connection is recognised.
It can benefit anyone who is seeking social connection, including:
- Older adults
- People living with health conditions
- Carers
- Neurodivergent individuals
- Young adults experiencing isolation
- Anyone wanting a gentle, low-pressure social connection
There are many benefits to group befriending:
Mental Health & Wellbeing Benefits
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Boosts mood through regular positive interactions
- Provides a safe space to talk and be heard
Communication & Social Skills
- Helps people who find one-to-one interactions intense
- Improved listening and interpersonal skills
- Practice speaking in a group setting
Emotional & Social
- Reduced loneliness
- Increased sense of belonging
- Confidence building through gentle social exposure
- Opportunities to form friendships at a comfortable pace
Practical & Lifestyle Benefits
- Routine and structure
- Discovery of new interests and hobbies
- Increased community participation
- Opportunities to signpost to other services
For examples of group befriending in action, read the full blog on the Befriending Networks website.