Funding boost helps befriending service expand

Silver Friends, an in-person befriending scheme run by social housing provider Karbon Homes, has received an additional £10k grant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Know Your Neighbourhood fund to continue its work in North Durham.

It has also secured £64k from the Legal & General Health Equity Fund to extend its support across West Northumberland.

Launched last year, Silver Friends builds on Karbon’s successful Silver Talk telephone befriending service, offering face-to-face social events at community venues. Since its pilot in December 2023, 246 residents have benefited, supported by 22 volunteers.

Philip Pollard, Assistant Director of Customer and Community Engagement at Karbon Homes, said: “Silver Friends has provided hundreds of residents with opportunities to connect with their community. This funding allows us to continue supporting North Durham while expanding into West Northumberland, creating social opportunities for hundreds more.”

With loneliness recognised as a significant health risk, services like Silver Friends are helping improve social connections and overall wellbeing for older adults across the region.