From Loneliness
to Life Again
The charity bringing hope, belonging and new purpose to hundreds of lives each week across Mid Sussex
In a world that is more connected than ever, loneliness and isolation remain one of the greatest hidden challenges of our time. Across Mid Sussex, many older people are living in isolation, caused by bereavement and loss, changes in health circumstances, or declining health. Befriended exists to address these three main causes through bringing people together.
Founded in 2017, Befriended was created to address the growing crisis of loneliness. Since the appointment of founder and CEO Gail Millar in 2021, the charity has grown rapidly. What began as support for just 15 isolated older people has developed into a thriving community reaching more than 2,600 people today. Volunteers have increased from 16 to over 160, and activities have expanded from one to 18 regular activities encouraging connection, friendships, and building community.
Growth has been driven and supported through partnerships built with GP practices, schools, community organisations and local churches. These partnerships help to identify those most in need, enable Befriended to provide accessible, inclusive welcoming activities offering support, friendships, purpose, fun, joy and hope, reducing the long-term impact of loneliness on both mental and physical health.
“Café Neuro is a life line every week for me as a carer for my husband living with Dementia” – Susan
At its heart, Befriended is about people and relationships. It creates safe, welcoming spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, valued and included. Its wide-ranging programme includes tea parties, community choirs, exercise classes, bereavement cafés and courses, Chaplaincy in care homes, Café Neuro, craft groups, holidays and outings, and one-to-one befriending.
“The choir has changed my life, it is my place of joy on Tuesday mornings where I have found friendship, kindness and laughter.” – Jean
One of its most recent initiatives is Book Buddies, an intergenerational project bringing older people – Grandfriends, and school children together through shared reading. These sessions build confidence, spark joy, and foster meaningful relationships across generations enriching both young and old alike.
“This is one of the best activities Befriended has done, I don’t have any family and I love spending time with the children” – Jo
In 2023, Befriended launched Compassionate Conversations, an innovative bereavement course delivered in community settings including GP surgeries, cafés, homes and care home environments. The course has supported hundreds of people experiencing grief, offering a space where loss can be shared and hope gently rebuilt.
“I know I would not be here today had I not of attended compassionate conversations”– Steve
Graham’s story is one powerful example. After losing three close family members, including his wife Rose, Graham was left heartbroken, isolated and unable to talk about his grief. He joined the Compassionate Conversations course — a small, supportive group where he found understanding, encouragement and the confidence to express his emotions.
The experience was, in his words, healing and hopeful. Yet when asked about his sense of purpose, Graham admitted he felt he had nothing to live for.
Soon afterwards, he was invited to view a disused chapel that Befriended was considering transforming into a new community hub. Standing in the cold, damp building, Graham was overcome with emotion. Through tears, he said, “This is my purpose. I will do whatever you need to make this a beautiful centre for Befriended. I want to give back all you have given me.”
From that moment, everything changed. Using his skills as a carpenter, plumber and painter, Graham began transforming the space. Volunteering his time and expertise, he has helped create a welcoming hub — saving the charity tens of thousands of pounds.
But the greatest transformation has been in Graham himself.
“Befriended has given me family, belonging, hope, purpose, life and joy again,” – Graham
This year, Befriended took 50 older people on holiday, for many it was their first ever holiday. Our day trips and holiday offer more than a just a break; they create memories, friendships and a sense of hope, belonging, joy and future.
“My son took his life, I was a recluse for 6 years, I found Befriended, I now have friends, a future, and am going on holiday for the first time in many years” – Caroline
Befriended now has its own community hub in Ditchling, a place for people to belong, be welcomed, be supported and belong.
In today’s society where loneliness is increasingly recognised as a major challenge to wellbeing, Befriended offers a practical, human solution. It is not just addressing loneliness; it is restoring lives, strengthening communities, and helping people rediscover connection, purpose and hope.
We need people who can help us as a charity to grow sustainably, people who have expertise in finance, operations, fundraising, HR. If you want to contribute to making a difference, changing lives and making our communities better places for all of us to live please do get in contact with us.
“Leading befriended and making a difference one smile at a time is an honour and privilege. To bring hope, joy, love, laughter, purpose and belonging to someone’s life is the greatest joy, it is not difficult and together we can end loneliness.” – Gail Millar
