Wyre Council’s befriending service, which supports vulnerable and isolated residents to reconnect with their communities, is looking for new volunteers to join the team and help us to reduce social isolation and loneliness in Wyre.
John, 63, lives alone in Wyre and provides care for a family member. Before joining the befriending scheme, he experienced significant isolation and described feeling lonely, overlooked and without purpose. He is registered deaf, and this hearing impairment has contributed to what he describes as “years of feeling like I don’t fit in”.
In November 2025, John was matched with David, one of Wyre Council’s trained befriending volunteers. Since then, the pair have shared more than 20 hours of companionship. After an initial introduction supported by the council’s Befriending Co‑ordinator, they began exchanging regular text messages to build rapport before meeting in person. This method of communication has been particularly meaningful for John, whose hearing difficulties have often limited his ability to engage with others and access support services.
With David’s support, John is now growing in confidence every week. Spending time together has helped him get out into the community, rebuild social connections and improve his wellbeing. John told us:
“Someone who understands me and encourages me has made all the difference. I wouldn’t usually go anywhere on my own because of my social anxiety, but knowing David is meeting me at the other end gives me the confidence to try going new places. Hopefully I’ll be able to do this myself one day, without needing a volunteer to support.”
Wyre Council now supports nine befriending volunteers who are offering meaningful companionship to some of the borough’s most isolated residents.
Loneliness can affect anyone, of any age, background or circumstance. Research shows that loneliness increases the likelihood of poor physical health and early mortality and significantly raises the risk of anxiety and depression. That’s why Wyre Council works closely with health, wellbeing and social care partners, including local NHS teams, community health workers and voluntary sector organisations, to identify vulnerable people who may benefit from extra support and companionship through the befriending scheme.
Volunteers can offer practical support, such as helping with shopping, and can also encourage healthier lifestyles by accompanying someone on a walk or attending a local group or activity with them. Whether by phone or in person, a regular chat can make a profound difference.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Community Engagement, said:
“Our volunteers are giving people the confidence to take those first steps back into their community, and that’s incredibly powerful. Supporting the health and wellbeing of Wyre residents is a key priority in our Council Plan, and befriending plays a crucial role in achieving that by tackling loneliness and helping people feel valued and included.”
If you could spare as little as one hour a week to help us combat loneliness and change the life of someone like John, we’d love to hear from you. Visit www.wyre.gov.uk/befriending to find out more and apply online. You can also contact our Befriending Co‑ordinator by calling 01253 887234 or emailing befriending@wyre.gov.uk.