Befriending Networks

04/08/2026

Based in Livingston and want to help make your community more dementia-resilient?

Join us next Wednesday (12 August) to get the skills and confidence you need to deliver dementia-friendly events, activities and services. Book now: https://befriending.co.uk/product/cl-livingston/



West Lothian Mental Health & Wellbeing Network West Lothian Council Carers of West Lothian

24/07/2026

We can't believe it's 100 days to go until Befriending Week 2026! Kickstart your planning by joining our fun and fast-paced interactive session next month. You'll learn all about Befriending Week, get fresh ideas and take the first steps to build a plan that works for you.

Get Ready for Befriending Week
Wednesday 19 August, 13:00 - 14:15
Booking: https://buff.ly/B7Z13Sc

17/07/2026

We're excited to announce the team of freelance specialists who will be working with us on the Connected Lives project!

• Facilitator Edel Roddy will be delivering our in-person training across Scotland
• Videographer Sean Catlin will be creating short case studies
• Researcher Dr Victoria Jupp Kina will be evaluating the Connected Lives project.

Find out more about the team here: https://buff.ly/uEBT1dT

Book your free place on the Connected Lives Dementia and Social Connection training in Scotland: https://buff.ly/T4woPJM

16/07/2026

6 locations, 2 online sessions, 191 attendees and lots of cups of tea – thank you to all our attendees for joining us at Roadshow 2026!

This year, we set out on the road to meet our network in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester, and twice online. Find out more on our blog:

6 locations, 2 online sessions, 191 attendees and lots of cups of tea – thank you to all our attendees for joining us at Roadshow 2026! This year, we set out on the road to meet our network in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester, and twice online. Each event brought togethe...

14/07/2026

We recently said goodbye to our Membership Services Manager, Nicola Zielinski-Gray, who is leaving Befriending Networks after a very happy 4 years and 4 months. She is moving on to a new position in the Community Engagement Team at Mencap, supporting people with learning disabilities to live their lives to the full.

Nicola will be missed by the Befriending Networks team and membership, but we know that she will continue to make a huge impact, building more inclusive and connected communities in her new role. Thank you, Nicola, for all your incredible work, and best of luck! 💜💚🧡

07/07/2026

Are you a volunteer or carer based in Scotland who supports people living with dementia? We hope you will get involved and help co-design our e-learning to ensure the volunteer or carer experience is represented in our project. Find out more and register https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/b5NXsHTtEk

01/07/2026

Did you attend one of our Roadshow events this year? We share photos from all events: Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester, London and Glasgow. Thank you to everyone who attended and joined us for a day of networking, peer learning, and connection in the sector!

01/07/2026

25/06/2026

Do you lead a team in a befriending organisation? Explore how you can build your skills and confidence with our Good Practice course, starting Wednesday 19 August. Book now:
https://buff.ly/4l7sb7p

Small Charity Week