School Partnerships
Our work is strengthened through partnerships with local schools.
Built on shared values of community, compassion, and mutual respect, these relationships create meaningful opportunities for connection across generations.
Schools play a vital role in opening their doors and hearts, providing welcoming spaces where young people and older members of the community can come together, build friendships, and learn from one another. These moments foster a genuine sense of belonging and help bridge generational gaps in a powerful and lasting way.
Partnership Spotlights
Brighton College Prep, Handcross
We are delighted to partner with Brighton College Prep Handcross — a relationship built on shared values, community spirit, and mutual benefit.
Through this partnership, students and teachers are actively involved in the meaningful and invaluable work Befriended delivers within the community. It provides opportunity for young people to understand the value, wisdom and knowledge our older generation have.
One of the highlights of this partnership is our Intergenerational Book Buddies project. A number of Befriended clients visit the school to spend time with pupils, listening to them read, taking part in art activities, and building special relationships as “Grandfriends.”
These moments are incredibly meaningful for both generations — boosting children’s confidence while giving our older people a renewed sense of purpose, joy, and connection.
Brighton College Prep Handcross warmly welcome many of our Befriended friends to school plays and productions, providing transport afternoon tea making the outing a special event.
Worth School
We are delighted to partner with Worth School, where a truly special intergenerational connection has developed.
Each week, it is a joy to welcome sixth form students to our Balance Exercise Class. The students play an active role in supporting attendees, offering encouragement, assisting with exercises, serving refreshments, and, most importantly, taking time to talk and share stories.
These simple moments of connection have led to something much deeper, with genuine friendships forming between generations.
The partnership extends beyond balance class, with students inviting our Befriended clients to Worth School for events such as Christmas carol services and summer quizzes. These occasions have created memorable friendships of mutual benefit. Students have learned hospitality, entertainment skills, hosting and communication.
“ I love our friendship, I have appreciated you being part of my life, I will never forget you” – Greta and Hope
Partnering with Befriended has been an incredibly enriching journey for our school community this year. It has been wonderful to host our new friends for plays, concerts and teas and to start to build relationships between the generations. It has been wonderful to watch our children grow in confidence while reading to our Befriended friends and seeing our hall filled with such an appreciative audience for our plays and concerts. Our pupils have been so excited to welcome their new friends into school. It’s a lovely reminder that we all have something to offer one another, no matter our age. We feel very lucky to have Befriended as part of our school family.
Tessa Besley, Year 3 teacher and charities co-ordinator
If you would like to discuss what it would look like for your school to partner with Befriended, we would love to hear from you.