You've Got a Friend

Monday, 22 January 2024 12:00

By Sara Whatley

Mid Sussex charity Befriended has grown so much since it’s beginnings in 2017. Gail Miller tells Sara Whatley what they have been up to

“Our vision is to end loneliness and isolation in Mid Sussex,” said Gail Miller, founder and CEO of the charity Befriended. Since 2017 Befriended has been changing the lives of lonely and isolated people by bringing them friendship, connection, love and time.

Befriended instantly became a lifeline for many when it first started. Then in 2020 when the pandemic hit they made the hard decision to suspend all face-to-face befriending. New initiatives were introduced such as ‘Acts of Kindness’ where cream tea-in-a-box, Easter-in-a-basket, and Christmas-in-a-bag were safely delivered to those in need. During this time Gail also trained in grief and bereavement counselling, and co-authored a book, Grief Conversations.

Very significantly, Gail also became an employee of Befriended. However, the charity depends on its invaluable volunteers; “Can you give us an hour a week? Is what we are asking people at the moment who are interested in volunteering. We also need businesses to sponsor our events – Parker Building Supplies have sponsored all our tea parties in 2024.

“Over the last two years we have grown from 25 to 630 users, and 1 to 10 activities,” Gail proudly told me. Face-to-face befriending is back on track, as is a telephone service, chaplaincy service in five care homes every week, a bereavement café in Hurstpierpoint and Burgess Hill, as well as bereavement courses. Befriended Bus Trips provide an exciting treat to look forward to and the Befriended Balance exercise classes are a chance not only to keep active but also to chat and connect afterwards over tea and cake.

“We have a choir – Sing for Joy – which is amazing. Next term we are doing songs from musicals and working towards an Easter concert,” said Gail. One singer, a gentleman living with dementia said, “It’s my favourite time of the week, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Their monthly tea parties are attended by at least 130 people, who rush in early to save places for their friends. Gail told me of one lady who got in touch because she desperately wanted to join in a tea party but her agoraphobia was holding her back. “She was shaking when I picked her up. I escorted her from her door to a friend to sit with,” said Gail. The lady had such a good time she goes every month and has said, “Befriended has changed my life. I can now leave my house.”

“I love these people, they are like family to me,” said Gail. “This is the best job in the world.”

Email office@befriended.org for all enquiries or call 0300 772 7703 and visit befriended.org to see their busy schedule of events, services and Volunteer Open Evening

More from People

Homes for Ukraine: Opening Your Home and Your Heart

As the conflict in the Ukraine continues, Homes for Ukraine scheme is still keen to hear from people that are interested in hosting a Ukrainian guest, as Paul Crompton from East Sussex County Council explains
Hip Hip Hooray

Reduced mobility as life evolves is something many people have to come to terms with, and sometimes the issue requires surgery, so we sent Robert Veitch to learn more about hip replacements from the top orthopaedic surgeon, Hugh Apthorp
The Joy of the Repair Café

Volunteers are central to the success of Repair Cafés across Sussex, so we sent Nicola Coughlin along to Lindfield Repair Cafe to talk to volunteers about their valuable contribution
An Unlikely Retirement

Hove resident Sylvia Holder tells Sara Whatley the inspiring story of how she set up her charity, The Venkat Trust, when she should have been kicking back in her retirement
Matters of the Heart

Jason Palmer, Volunteer Trustee and Director of The Sussex Heart Charity explains what this award winning charity do to save lives in Sussex
Rushfields: Celebrating 40 Years

As Rushfields Plant Centre in Poynings gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, James Forryan talked to founders Colin and Kathryn Langridge about the keys to their longevity and what they’ve learned over their 40 years in business
Interview: Comedian Connor Burns brings his Vertigo tour to Sussex

With his new touring show Vertigo about to arrive in Sussex, we talk to Scottish comedian Connor Burns
A Double Dose: Interview with Michael Mosley and Clare Bailey

Husband and wife health gurus Dr Michael Mosley and Dr Clare Bailey are on a mission to bring healthy eating and living to the masses. They talk to Sara Whatley about their upcoming tour and the health benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet...
Charity: Community Transport Sussex

Community Transport Sussex is an unlikely hero, but one that plays a crucial role in connecting local communities, Marie Claire Macintosh explains more about this valuable service
Mat Osman: A Record of Creativity

Local boy, founding member of the band Suede and now author, Mat Osman speaks to Sara Whatley about creativity, his brother Richard Osman and making people cry
Six Facts You Might Not Know About Robert Smith

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…
Six Facts You Might Not Know About Dame Julie Walters

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…
Six Facts You Might Not Know About Piers Morgan

Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…
In conversation with the team at Peper Harow Socks, Sussex.

Founded in 2013, Peper Harow is a brand of men’s and women’s luxury cotton socks that are ethically and sustainably made in the UK in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.
We speak to an expert about special needs in children

The number of school pupils in the UK with special educational needs increased to 1.49 million in 2022. Between 2% and 5% of school-aged children have ADHD and nearly 2% are on the autistic spectrum. But there’s still a remarkable lack of awareness about how children with neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia can be supported in mainstream schools.
By women, for women - The Wayfinder Trust

The WayfinderWoman Trust is an Eastbourne based charity to help guide and support women. This might be with a clear-cut goal or simply to help pinpoint their next move. It could be to help build confidence, to stand up on their own and give them the strength to take that next step. Whatever the need, WayfinderWoman are on hand.
International Women's Day 2023: in conversation with Iris De Kan, Easyjet Pilot

Who do you picture when you think of an airline captain? Something along the lines of Captain Sully I would imagine – male, middle aged and greying. Today I’m speaking to one of only 6% of female pilots in the world, Captain Iris de Kan, who is female, 35 and blond – the antithesis of old Sully over there.
Putting women back on the map - Kate Mosse

It is always the right moment to bring women’s stories to the forefront, suggested award-winning novelist Kate Mosse as she told me about her new non-fiction work, Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries, How Women (Also) Built The World.
Interview with Jake Messham, Wall Of Death Rider

Video

If you're lucky enough to witness a Wall of Death show you'll know the intoxicating mixture of wonder and terror as heart-stopping stunts are performed under your nose. Sara Whatley met with Jake Messham, a star rider and motorcycle trickster.
Moving On Up With Jonathan Lea

It has been a busy and productive twelve months for the Jonathan Lea Network, a fast-growing and far-sighted firm of solicitors based in Sussex, as Peter d’Aguilar recently discovered, in conversation with Jonathan Lea

You've Got a Friend

Share

More from People