Insights from Befriending Networks Annual Conference

From the project research team at IVAR

Last week, Leila Baker attended the Befriending Networks Annual Conference to invite reflections on our findings so far. One emerging theme is that people who feel connected to their community hold a number of ‘identities’ within that community: as a resident perhaps they help at their child’s school; as an interested party they have been involved in a local hospital campaign; and their work gives them connection to a local business. We are also finding that people who have fewer opportunities to link to their community may also be or feel ‘trapped’ in a place or identity.

‘Befrienders offer relationships which recognise, affirm, generate older people’s various identities’

You can read a full write-up of the session here.

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