Referrals to the service are temporarily closed and will reopen on the 7th January 2026. New referrals received after this date will be put on the waiting list to be contacted for a registration appointment.
MVA's Befriending Programme offers supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to adults living in Medway who are experiencing social isolation.
Our service helps people connect with their local community, build confidence, and improve wellbeing. Befriending can provide a new direction in life, open up opportunities for activities, and reduce feelings of loneliness. We offer both one-to-one and telephone befriending, as well as two weekly group meetings and monthly Bingo and seated exercise to music sessions across Medway.
- Who can benefit? Adults living in Medway who are isolated or have little social contact. We are unable to support people with advanced dementia, unreasonable behaviours, or complex mental health problems.
- How does it work? Referrals can be made by individuals themselves or by someone else (with the individual's consent). Once we receive a referral, our team will review it and arrange or signpost to appropriate befriending support. If befriending is not suitable, we will suggest alternative solutions.
- What befriending is not: Befriending does not include personal care, housework, domestic tasks, social care, health support, or caring responsibilities.
- Volunteer with us: If you are interested in volunteering, we provide all necessary training and can help arrange a DBS check if you do not already have one.
Get in touch if you or someone you know could benefit from our befriending support. We are currently accepting new referrals.
Contact us: Call 01634 564939 or email befriending@mva.org.uk for more information.
18+ service, Available to all in the Medway and Swale area. Please note that this service cannot accept referrals for people with moderate to severe dementia or unreasonable behaviours
Should you require further information or help completing the referral or wish to discuss a case before referring, or have any comments/ observations/ suggestions please contact our “Befriending Team” on 01634 564939 or email at befriending@mva.org.uk.