How can it help me?

Vetted volunteer befrienders are matched with individuals to provide companionship and emotional support. They also offer information about a range of activities and services that can help increase confidence, reduce isolation, encourage access to the local community, develop hobbies and interests, and connect individuals to other forms of support.

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How do I access it?

Barnet Friends is available to individuals:

• Aged 18–55 who live, work, or study in Barnet

• Who need emotional support or simply someone to talk to

• Who are experiencing loneliness and want to reduce social isolation

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The service supports individuals without a mental health diagnosis, as well as those with low to moderate mental health needs (e.g. low mood, anxiety, moderate depression, obsessive compulsive disorder).

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Please note: We are currently unable to accept clients with a severe mental health diagnosis or those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

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Contact details: 020 8016 0016 | Befriending@cbplus.org.uk | www.cbplus.org.uk

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Download Referral Form       Download Referral Criteria Guidelines       Download Public Information

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Real stories: Meet Mary*

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Mary* was referred to Barnet Friends in November. Although her referral described her mental health as “very mild,” early conversations with her befriender revealed signs of severe depression. She rarely left her home, often went without heating or electricity, and had no food in her fridge due to financial hardship. She spoke of traumatic family experiences, felt overwhelmed by her situation, and struggled to keep appointments.

Her befriender provided her with information about local food banks, cost-of-living grants, and how to access food vouchers. With gentle encouragement, Mary accepted referrals to services like BOOST and Citizens Advice Barnet, who made direct contact with her to help.

Though initially resistant to mental health support or a Social Worker, Mary agreed to a GP referral for counselling, which Barnet Friends helped arrange. We also helped her secure a crisis loan and a Waitrose food voucher through BOOST.

Mary continues to speak with her befriender regularly. While she still faces challenges, she now has support in place, access to basic necessities, and someone to talk to.

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What people say​

“Barnet Friends has been an integral service to me over the last eight months. I’ve struggled with loneliness and social anxiety my entire life. This service gives me a space to talk about whatever I want each week.” ​​​​

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