History of Befriending and Advocacy in Gosport
Looking after our community since 1999
We may now have a different name but it is still the same project.
1998
In 1998, Gosport Voluntary Action’s Volunteer Centre identified a growing number of requests for visitors from lonely residents. In response to this increasing concern around loneliness and isolation, the Befriending Service was established.
1999
Jean Legg was recruited to develop a telephone befriending service. Through her research, Jean discovered that very few organisations were offering this type of support at the time, with the nearest service based in Exeter.
While some individuals were comfortable receiving telephone calls, it quickly became clear that many longed for face-to-face interaction. As a result, the service evolved to include in-person visits, adapting to meet the needs of the community.
2010
Gosport Voluntary Action were nominated for a Mentoring & Befriending Recognition Award in the South, during the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.
2012
In 2012, Dame Esther Rantzen (pictured) made contact to learn more about the success of the Befriending Service. Dame Esther Rantzen visited Jean in Gosport and they met again later in London. Using Gosport’s Befriending Service as a model to help shape the development of The Silverline.
2013
The CHAT (Come Here And Talk) Groups were introduced, in response to a growing waiting list. Each group was hosted by two volunteers and included up to six participants. These groups became highly popular, with many attendees forming lasting friendships and continuing to meet outside of sessions.
2015
Gosport Voluntary Action achieved the Approved Provider Standard accrediation for safe and effective practice in mentoring and befriending.
2015
In 2015, The Big Lottery awarded a three-year grant to the AWARDs project. This initiative not only continued Befriending support but also introduced Advocacy services, recognising an increasing need for help navigating a rapidly evolving digital world. This support proved vital for many residents struggling to access information, services, and benefits.
2019
In 2019/2020, Gosport Voluntary Action was honoured to be nominated twice for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Although the organisation was not selected for the award, it received an accolade from the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Hampshire following an assessment visit in November, recognising the valuable contribution being made within the community.
2019
In October 2019, Befriending and Advocacy partnered with Age UK Portsmouth to help reduce pressure on health services. Research had shown that a proportion of 999 calls were linked to loneliness rather than medical need.
However, in early 2020, the service rapidly adapted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The community came together to support even more isolated residents, with volunteers providing telephone check-ins, collecting prescriptions, and delivering shopping - particularly for those with complex health needs.
2023
2024
Following a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, our CHAT Groups were reintroduced with a new format. Sessions are now held at our office at Martin Snape House, providing a welcoming and accessible space for participants.
The groups quickly proved popular, with numbers capped at 10 to ensure a supportive environment, and a waiting list soon established. Due to demand, a second group was introduced shortly afterwards to support more people.
In 2024, the service became part of Community First, continuing to deliver support with existing National Lottery funding. This transition provided stability and allowed the service to continue supporting local residents without interruption.
2026
In 2026, the three coordinators took the project forward independently as Gosport Community Support. Building on a strong reputation within the community, the service remains committed to continuing its long-established work and supporting local residents.
Today, Befriending and Advocacy is widely recognised and receives referrals from Primary Care Networks, Adult Services, Gosport Borough Council, Social Prescribers, and the wider Gosport community.