Engage Befriending

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Engage Befriending

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We connect people who are isolated and alone with a volunteer befriender to help them thrive. We can accompany people out locally to the shops or for a coffee.

Engage Befriending volunteers visit older people who would otherwise be lonely. We signpost to other organisations to provide help and support and inform people about local services to increase health and wellbeing. We also connect people up with social clubs and activities so they can meet new people and keep active.

29/10/2026

Inside this month’s newsletter, you'll find practical tips from Age UK on preparing for winter, photos celebrating Older People’s Day and our most recent drop-in event, plus a selection of puzzles and riddles for a bit of seasonal fun.

We hope you enjoy reading it!
https://engage-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-11-Engage-Newsletter.pdf

22/10/2026

💚 A little time can make a BIG difference!

For an older person experiencing loneliness or isolation, a friendly chat can mean the world.

One of our clients shared what befriending means to them:

“We get on very well, she listens and seems interested in what I talk about. We both enjoy a chat. We have enough to talk about. Sometimes I don't want to talk, but once I get chatting I'm happy I've agreed to take the call.”

Could you spare just one hour a week?

We need more wonderful volunteers to help us reach everyone on our waiting list and ensure more older people can enjoy the companionship of a regular, friendly chat.

Your hour could make a real difference to someone's week.

Interested in becoming a volunteer befriender? Please see our website for more information and to apply. https://engage-uk.org/

30/09/2026

This month's newsletter is available now!
With an interesting article about hiring wheelchairs and how to help prevent falls it aims to keep everyone active and safe this autumn. Read it here:https://engage-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/October2026.pdf

23/09/2026

We're looking forward to older persons day!
We will have a stall with information about Engage Befriending, and we'd love to see you there.
Join us on Thursday 1st October from 9:30am - 2pm at the Broad St Mall.

17/09/2026

We're delighted to announce that we are one of the five winners of Palladium's inaugural UK Community Investment Fund!

This generous donation will support Engage to help tackle loneliness and social isolation by helping older people stay connected to their communities and maintain their independence.

Thank you Palladium: Make It Possible

16/09/2026

About Befriending - if you'd like to volunteer please go to https://engage-uk.org/ for more information

27/08/2026

Thank you to The Berkshire Community Foundation and Pargiter Trust for their generous grant for our Engage Project.

Their funding will enable us to expand our befriending activity, enabling more older people to find connection and reducing loneliness in our communities.

You can find out more about what we do and get involved here: https://engage-uk.org/ and https://themustardtree.org/

25/08/2026

🌟 Volunteer Befriending Training – Join Us! 🌟

Our next volunteer training session is coming up!

If you’re interested in learning more about befriending older people and how you can make a positive difference through friendship, conversation and companionship, we’d love to have you join us.

📅 Date: Tuesday 15th September
🕐 Time: 1:30pm

Book now to learn something new and take the first step towards making a real difference in someone’s life. 🤝

Interested? Email [email protected] to book your place!

If you'd like to join us as a volunteer but can't make this training please complete an application form and we will be in touch to arrange a more suitable training date. https://forms.volunteero.org/view/6300dafe-e08f-48a9-85ce-c52dfd1c13ef

23/08/2026

Join us for a sporty night of exhilarating Padel action to help raise funds for The Mustard Tree on Friday 18th September 7–10pm

The tournament is being held at the Atrium Health Club, Scours Lane, Tilehurst. We have 48 spaces, and you can sign up on our website. https://themustardtree.org/padel/

This is a mixed doubles challenge, so you can sign up with a partner or be teamed up with someone on the day.

All abilities welcome. No experience necessary.
Refreshments will be available and there’s a trophy to be won

20/08/2026

Make a real difference in someone’s life – volunteer with Engage!

Our amazing volunteers make a huge difference through regular visits, phone calls and, most importantly, friendship and companionship.

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our clients have said about their volunteer matches:

“I feel free from anxiety when she’s with me. I feel very satisfied with the service. You’re the best thing since sliced bread!”

“It’s company for me. She takes me out once a week. We go out at other times and have a cuppa.

On my birthday we went to a large charity shop. She told the staff in the coffee shop, and they sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to me.”

These might seem like simple moments, but they can make a huge difference to someone who feels lonely or isolated.

🌟 Could you make a difference?
Volunteer with Engage and help bring friendship, connection and brighter moments into someone’s life.

Address

4 Sackville Stret
Reading
RG11NT

Telephone

+441189952102

Website

https://engage-uk.org/

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