Runnymede Befriending Project Secures Lottery Funding  

Our Time to Talk Befriending service in Runnymede has secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to continue and expand across the borough. Aimed at supporting older and vulnerable individuals facing loneliness and isolation, Time to Talk offers weekly visits by trained befriending volunteers. 

Time to Talk’s successful pilot scheme supported 20 people with the help of 20 trained volunteers. Client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and the service has been welcomed by local health professionals and social prescribers, with a waiting list of 10 people, highlighting growing demand. 

Many people are housebound due to frailty, ill health, or mobility issues, and often have no other social contact. Time to Talk offers emotional support and companionship, but volunteers can also identify additional care needs, helping prevent more serious health and wellbeing issues. 

Solette Sheppardson, Voluntary Support’s CEO, said, “We are grateful to the National Lottery for supporting Time to Talk. This funding means we can grow the service to meet local need, helping the team to promote befriending, manage referrals, train and support volunteers, and match them with people. 

“Research shows that loneliness can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease, and dementia. By addressing this through regular social interaction, the service plays a crucial role in improving people’s quality of life. Time to Talk ensures that no one in Runnymede has to face loneliness alone.” 

Clive has a Time to Talk befriender. He said of his experience, “I have a great guy who comes once a week and has a coffee with me. I don’t know what I’d do without this service. It is such a great idea for people like me who are alone and don’t see many people.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about Time to Talk Runnymede – whether that’s to volunteer their time, or because they would like someone to visit them – should contact Clair Dean, Befriending Manager, on [email protected] or call 01932 571122.