Today (Friday 01 November) marks the start of Befriending Week, and Cleveland Fire Brigade is proud to celebrate and raise awareness of the important role befriending plays in enhancing the wellbeing of individuals and strengthening communities.
As part of this initiative, the Brigade is highlighting its own Befriending Service – a free, community-focused programme dedicated to supporting residents in Hartlepool who live alone. Designed to combat loneliness and enhance wellbeing, the service matches service users with trained volunteers who provide regular visits, fostering connection and companionship.
Befriending is about more than just company; it’s about connection, safety, and hope. Research shows that social isolation can result in a decline in an individual’s physical and mental health, which can lead to risks to the individual’s safety and mean they are at a greater risk during emergencies. By providing companionship, the Brigade’s Befriending Service is helping to reduce these risks, one visit at a time.
Join Us as a Volunteer!
To expand the reach of this vital service, Cleveland Fire Brigade is looking for passionate volunteers to join its team of Befrienders. On Thursday 7 November, Nicky Huntley, the Brigade’s Befriending Services Facilitator, will be hosting an open session at Headland, where potential volunteers can learn about the service, meet the team, and even sign up to start making a difference.
Nicky shared the profound impact of the service: “Most of our clients don’t have regular contact with family or friends, so they cherish our monthly social gatherings, where they can have a laugh, a cuppa, and make new friends. For many, our visits or socials are the only conversations they have all month. One woman shared that having a Befriender gives her a reason to get up and live, which is both heartwarming and humbling.”
Nicky continued: “Volunteering as a Befriender in Hartlepool is local people helping to support its own community, and the feeling of knowing that, by giving as little as one hour a week of your own time, has made a huge difference to someone else’s life is priceless.”
Throughout Befriending Week, Brigade staff, volunteers and service users will be sharing their own stories, demonstrating the powerful impact of friendship and the joy of giving back to the community.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re interested in becoming a Befriending Volunteer or simply want to learn more about the service, please join Nicky Huntley at Headland Community Fire Station on November 7 between 9-6:30pm.
Alternatively, you can visit our website for more information here: https://www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/community/befriending-service/ or contact the team directly at 01429 872311 or via email at befriending@clevelandfire.gov.uk
