Engage Befriending

Engage Befriending 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.

Don't miss out! The Mustard Tree Quiz is on Monday evening. We only have a few tickets left, so get yours today. We have...
18/06/2026

Don't miss out! The Mustard Tree Quiz is on Monday evening. We only have a few tickets left, so get yours today.

We have some very generous prizes for the raffle that will be happening on the night. Prizes include:

A stay at the Holiday Inn
Luxury Chocolates from the Chocolate Detective
A trip on the canal from the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust
Gin tasting experience courtesy of the Henley Distillery
Free Bowling at Bowl Central Reading
£20 worth of fun at Urban Fun
Pampering hamper including j'adore perfume
Wine and chocolates
A cute panda bear.

To get your tickets see us at the quiz night, or ask a member of the Mustard Tree team to purchase in advance.

https://themustardtree.org/quiz/

We would like to say a big thank you for a generous grant from the Innholders’ Charitable Foundation for our Engage proj...
17/06/2026

We would like to say a big thank you for a generous grant from the Innholders’ Charitable Foundation for our Engage project. At a time when many older people face loneliness and significant challenges, your grant will make a huge difference and enable us to bring smiles to lots of faces!

Our volunteers are fantastic! Tony is one of our long serving volunteers, we asked him why he volunteers with us. "When ...
10/06/2026

Our volunteers are fantastic!

Tony is one of our long serving volunteers, we asked him why he volunteers with us.

"When I retired, I thought it would be good to see what a befriending service had to offer to me and the older people they visit. I have continued for several years as it has been rewarding to see the difference it makes.

The man I visit currently enjoys playing chess and occasionally I beat him! When not playing we chat about what we have been doing lately and how our friends and family are.

I think that the arrangement has continued because we both benefit and are happy about it. I have been pleased to see him develop social skills over time."

It’s National Volunteer Week, and we are celebrating the incredible people who help us reduce isolation and loneliness f...
05/06/2026

It’s National Volunteer Week, and we are celebrating the incredible people who help us reduce isolation and loneliness for older people in the community.

Our volunteers don't just give their time – they build skills, connect with amazing people, and make a real impact.

Ready to make a difference? Find your perfect role and join our befriending community today.

👉 Sign up here: engage-uk.org/get-involved/

05/06/2026

We had such a lovely time coming together for Volunteer Week.

It was great to share food, spend time catching up, and take part in a really helpful resilience training session with Ali – thank you!

A huge thank you to all our fantastic volunteers. Your support makes such a difference to the people we work with, and we’re so grateful for everything you do 🌟

The June edition of our newsletter is out now! This issue, we have a feature about ‘Biscuit Town’ celebrating National b...
02/06/2026

The June edition of our newsletter is out now! This issue, we have a feature about ‘Biscuit Town’ celebrating National biscuit day, and all about the benefits of gardening, as well as other facts and puzzles. Read it herehttps://engage-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/June2026.pdf

As part of volunteer week we have been celebrating what’s great about volunteering. Here is what our volunteer Terry ha...
01/06/2026

As part of volunteer week we have been celebrating what’s great about volunteering. Here is what our volunteer Terry has to say:

"I joined Engage during the covid year of 2020 when I heard about the need for telephone befriending through my church.

My favourite thing about volunteering is that you know you are doing some good, it’s nice to help people and feels worthwhile. I used to volunteer in a more physical capacity, like helping in a café and DIY jobs for people. I’m now in my late 80’s but still enjoy helping people and this is my contribution.

Doing something helps you feel connected. I have befriended 3 people since I started and usually call once a week. We have good chats and have become friends. "

Thank you Terry! You’ve made a big difference in brightening someone’s day

We had a really lovely time at our drop in today! Kate from Get Berkshire Active came to lead a session of games for our...
14/05/2026

We had a really lovely time at our drop in today! Kate from Get Berkshire Active came to lead a session of games for our minds, which were a lot of fun. With a social chat and a cup of tea it was a good way to spend the morning.

Our May newsletter is ready for you to read.This issue, we have a feature on the joys of singing with a community choir,...
12/05/2026

Our May newsletter is ready for you to read.

This issue, we have a feature on the joys of singing with a community choir, a Trolly Bus Treasure from our April drop-in, and other facts and puzzles.

To read it visit our website: engage-uk.org/our-monthly-newsletter

Address

4 Sackville Stret
Reading
RG11NT

Telephone

+441189952102

Website

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