Overcoming Loneliness: Why Befriending Matters, Especially for People Living with Dementia
Time to Talk Befriending was born from a simple truth uncovered through research: many older people feel invisible and forgotten. As a social work student, I listened to their stories of deep loneliness—some hadn’t had a meaningful conversation in weeks.
I knew something had to change.
Our mission began with one goal: to bring companionship, connection, and conversation back into the lives of those experiencing isolation. Since then, the charity has grown into a vibrant community of lasting, meaningful relationships that continue to transform lives.
Loneliness Awareness Week is a time to pause, reflect, and act. It reminds us that, for many people, especially those living with dementia, loneliness is more than a passing feeling. It’s a deep, persistent sense of disconnection. At Time to Talk Befriending, we believe that every person, no matter their age or diagnosis, deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. Our befriending work is rooted in this belief.
Befriending isn’t just a kind gesture; it’s a vital source of support. For people living in isolation and/or with dementia, regular, meaningful connection helps sustain confidence, maintain social relationships, and preserve a sense of belonging within the community. Consistent support ensures that people remain seen, heard, and valued—especially as their world may gradually become more limited.
“Befriending isn’t just a kind gesture; it’s a vital source of support. For people living in isolation and/or with dementia, regular, meaningful connection helps sustain confidence, maintain social relationships, and preserve a sense of belonging within the community”
One of the biggest misconceptions is that people with dementia are no longer able to form new connections or benefit from friendship. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Especially in the earlier to moderate stages of dementia, there is real potential for building meaningful and rewarding relationships. In reality, emotional connection transcends memory. Even as the condition progresses and communication becomes more difficult, people still feel the warmth, care, and presence of a consistent friend. That human connection can transform their day, lifting their spirits and reinforcing their dignity.
Margaret’s story is a perfect example.
Living with dementia and grieving the loss of her husband, Margaret described her life as “silent.” Days would pass without conversation or company, deepening her sense of loss and loneliness. But everything changed when she was matched with a befriender. Their weekly visits brought companionship, laughter, and renewed purpose into her life. As Margaret told us, “It’s like someone switched the lights back on. I feel remembered.” Her story reminds us that even the simplest human connections can make a profound difference.
Our Voices: Befriending 2.0 report highlights the scale of the challenges we face. Older people told us about the impact of declining mental and physical health, financial pressures, and the enduring legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many shared feelings of uncertainty and a sense of being overlooked by society. Yet, time and again, we’ve seen how early, consistent befriending helps people regain resilience, dignity, and hope.
The impact of befriending is echoed by health and social care professionals in our Referrer Survey. These frontline workers describe how befriending doesn’t just alleviate loneliness; it often leads to improvements in overall wellbeing. One referrer noted: “It is an essential service and has made a great difference to the clients we have referred—helping to combat social isolation in older people”
Befriending is mutually enriching for everyone involved. Our volunteers often tell us how much they value the deep connections they build, and how their own wellbeing is enhanced through the experience. One volunteer shared, “My mental health has improved, and I know my befriendee gets so much out of our visits too. We both come away beaming!” It’s a beautiful reminder that community care strengthens everyone it touches.
At Time to Talk Befriending, we place huge importance on consistency and trust, especially when supporting people living with dementia. Regular visits from a familiar face bring a sense of security and comfort. They help reduce anxiety and create safe spaces where people feel genuinely valued. That trust, built over time, allows deeper, more meaningful relationships to flourish.
We believe that loneliness is not inevitable, and small, intentional acts of kindness can have a powerful ripple effect. Whether it’s volunteering your time, making a donation, or checking in on a neighbour who may be feeling isolated, each act of connection counts. Together, we can build a community where everyone, regardless of age, health, or circumstance, feels they belong.
During the pandemic, the value of befriending was widely recognised as a lifeline for so many—but sadly, much of that recognition has since faded. Yet befriending remains invaluable to improving health and wellbeing, no matter our age or health diagnosis.
So, looking ahead, we want to see befriending recognised, funded, and celebrated as a key way of ensuring that no one feels forgotten. We can continue working toward a more compassionate, connected society where every person, especially those living with dementia, knows that they matter.
Together, we can overcome loneliness—one meaningful connection at a time.
Emily Kenward, Founder & CEO at Time to Talk Befriending (Chair of Befriending Networks
