Our befriending service supports people in Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent who may be feeling lonely or isolated, or who would simply benefit from some regular company. Our friendly volunteers offer companionship through home visits or telephone calls, providing a chance to chat, share interests and build a genuine connection.

How we can help

Our befriending support is tailored to the individual. This might mean a regular visit at home for a cup of tea and a chat, or a friendly telephone call to keep in touch.

We carefully match people with a volunteer, taking into account personalities, interests and individual circumstances. We want both the person receiving support and the volunteer to feel comfortable with the match and for the relationship to develop naturally.

Who is befriending for?

Our service is primarily for people aged 55 and over living in Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent who are experiencing loneliness or social isolation.

People come to us for many different reasons. They may live alone, have experienced bereavement, have limited mobility, or simply find that their social circle has become smaller over time.

You don't have to be completely housebound or have no one else in your life to benefit from befriending.

What happens next?

Once we receive a referral, a member of our team will get in touch and arrange to talk through your circumstances and what you would like from the service.

Where appropriate, we will then look for a volunteer who we think will be a good match for you. All of our befriending volunteers are carefully recruited, DBS checked and references are obtained.

There is no pressure – the aim is simply to provide friendly, regular companionship and help people feel a little more connected to their community.

Would you or someone you know benefit from befriending?

You can refer yourself, a family member or someone you are supporting to Gosport Community Support.

Make a referral or contact us to find out more.