The Future of Befriending
By Susan Hunter, CEO of Befriending Networks and a member of the Campaign to End Loneliness Advisory Group. This blog is adapted from a full address provided at the Befriending Networks annual conference on 7th November 2024.
On 5th December 2024, Befriending Networks will mark 30 years as a charity. I wondered what the founding members imagined the future of befriending being? Have we realised or surpassed their predictions of the future? And would we be bold enough to imagine the next 30 years?
Today’s context is challenging. It is difficult. It is overwhelming. It can feel gloomy. Money continues to be tight, inequalities are widening, need is increasing, volunteer numbers are declining, and loneliness is increasing.
The future of befriending was the theme of our AGM held in November during Befriending Week. A member trustees said, “oh I read the theme as a question. Does befriending have a future?”
A fair reflection, optimism is low. Our glass may be half empty. But we cannot dwell in pessimism. Befriending Networks is here to support, to collaborate and to lead.
Befriending has a future
A member said to me “we are not ready for AI befrienders!” Is this the future we imagine for befriending or is this a future we fear?
I feel anxious about the idea of an AI befriender, but we are increasingly exposed to AI infiltrating so many aspects of our lives so it does make me curious. I then asked Chat G.P.T “Tell me, what is the future of befriending in the UK?” It responded;
“The future of befriending holds promise as we blend traditional methods with modern technology.”
Well that has a positive tone, but I was slightly underwhelmed – no wild or radical predictions for the future. I was also reassured that nothing totally surprising was coming our way!
AI is positive we have a future (trustee’s question answered!) and suggests we anticipate more tech.
What in digital could we be utilising to support us to manage our time, maximise our resources, and get the best for and from our people, so that befriending can shine? How can we use technology to support the human connection that matters to us all in befriending?
The technology is already there for training, for events, for measuring impact, for matching. Yet many of us remain anxious, deskilled, fearful, sceptical, and unaware. Or, we may seek this future but find we are priced out by licence and subscription costs. And by our awareness that the individuals and communities we seek to reach face significant digital inequity. My curiousity for what else my Chat GPT fuelled crystal ball might tell me grows:
“The future of befriending in the UK is filled with potential. By embracing technology, fostering community engagement, and prioritising inclusivity, we can create a robust network of support that helps combat loneliness and enriches lives.”
As I read on with this AI response I feel it was rose-tinted at a time when optimism is on the wane in the sector. This future didn’t reflect recent news of budget announcements, learning of charity closures, of in-year funding cuts, and volunteering shortages.
Our communities, our society, and our organisations are much more complex and more uncertain.
As befriending organisations, we are navigating an uncertain future, but a future all the same. My approach to managing and leading in uncertainty is to acknowledge the situation and focus on controlling what I can control. We all know that there is no standing still in the charity sector – our only constant is change. How we respond to change matters. Our reaction, our action, our decisions matter.
But we do not have to do this alone. We have personal and professional values that are grounding; we have peers, colleagues and local, regional and national networks of expertise to scaffold and support us; and we have our purpose, vision and values too.
We are in uncertain times with the economy, technology, shifting demographics and increasing loneliness. As individuals in befriending we should look for what we can control such as our relationships with funders, our financial management, our willingness to learn and use technology, the experience we offer to volunteers and ensuring our services meet those most in need. So let’s remind ourselves daily what brings us joy in befriending, this might be:
Our passion and belief in befriending.
The brilliant colleagues who make our organisations turn.
The wonderful people who seek compassion and companionship through using our services.
The willing volunteers who give their time and their care to serve others.
Our supporters and friends who will champion befriending when we are not in the room.
Our peers and network who will share a problem or suggest a solution in challenging time.
Those closest to us matter. Our response, our reaction and our perspective is what matters to the future of befriending and the future of befriending will require tenacity as well as requiring us to persevere and to continue adapting and evolving. It may also require us to be louder, more together, more diverse, and more inclusive. But most of all it will require us to believe in the goodness of people. Their willingness to serve others and the warmth and connection that comes from befriending is what gives us optimism.
We are here together as the network of befriending organisations, with a shared purpose, to navigate the future of befriending together. Back to my AI assistant for the final word:
“As we move forward, it is essential to keep the human connection at the heart of befriending, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to form meaningful relationships.”
About the Author
Susan Hunter is the CEO of Befriending Networks and a member of the Campaign to End Loneliness Advisory Group. You can access the full speech here:The Future of Befriending – Befriending Networks
About Befriending Networks
Our members form the largest network of befriending services in the world.
We provide access to sector-specific training, events, resources, and awards which support quality in befriending. To find out more about our work and membership visit www.befriending.co.uk
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