We commissioned expert consultants in loneliness and ageing, to assess which of our funding priorities would be most appropriate for an in-depth evaluation. The result of this work was to highlight that there was relatively little research available on the effectiveness of befriending schemes for older people. Research was then commissioned with the objective of providing a more nuanced view on the benefits of befriending, what makes a good service and what improvements can be made to delivery.  

The work was split into two phases, an evaluation with13 of our grant holders about befriending pre-Covid-19 and then a collaboration with Independent Age on a wider view of befriending during the pandemic. 

Please click here to view the phase one report. 

Please click here to view the phase two report.