“Didn’t realise how lonely I was”: 95% of North Surrey befriending clients say visits benefit them 

Time to Talk, Voluntary Support North Surrey’s befriending service, has found from its latest survey that its befriending service is reducing loneliness and building genuine friendships across North West Surrey. The findings are released ahead of Befriending Week (1–7 November), the annual national campaign celebrating befriending and the volunteers who make it possible. 

The survey gathered views from 20 befriended clients and 18 volunteer befrienders. Of the clients surveyed, 95% said they benefit from their befriending visits, and 85% said they have noticed a positive change in themselves since their visits began.  

Volunteers reported equally positive experiences. 100% of volunteers surveyed said they enjoy befriending and feel supported in their role.  

Comments from befriending clients included “Didn’t realise how lonely I was”, “Wonderful feeling having someone to talk to” and “Would be lost without her”, while one volunteer commented: “The impact isn’t just on them, it’s on you too – it’s rewarding to know you can make a difference.” 

Elaine Hawes, Time to Talk Befriending Manager at VSNS, said: 

“While our clients and volunteers answered different questions, both groups described the same outcomes: companionship, reduced isolation and visits that both sides look forward to.  

We are so pleased with these results, which reflect the commitment of our volunteers and why befriending matters in North Surrey.” 

During Befriending Week, Time to Talk is encouraging local people to get involved. If you could spare a few hours a week to become a befriending volunteer, or if you or someone you know would welcome a regular friendly visit, please visit: https://voluntarysupport.org.uk/time-to-talk/ or call 01932 571122.