Rainbow call companions was launched on 14th March 2022 and is still ongoing nationally. The project was set up in response to our research which has shown that: Older LGBT+ people are less likely to have intergenerational relationships and children. Older LGBT+ people will find that their family of choice is sadly dwindling. LGBT+ older people are more likely to live alone. Older gay men find youth-centric spaces make them feel overlooked. For older lesbians, all too often they see loneliness as the price they have to pay for their sexuality. For those who are open, moving into a care home and [...]

Sue Hogan, Programme Manager, Learning and Education  Firstsite is in Colchester and Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre in Tendring, both in Essex. The project began in 2017 and is now delivered every school holiday.  Holiday Fun is a creative response to Holiday Hunger.  After learning that families were struggling to feed their children during school holidays, and that around 25% of families in Colchester were living in poverty, we met with members of African Families in the UK – one of our community partners who suggested we deliver a project with food at its heart, and so Holiday [...]

Befriending Networks are the national intermediary and network for Befriending organisations in the UK: the only UK organisation to offer specific befriending advice, information, and a recognised Quality in Befriending award, alongside befriending specific training. This is achieved through our small but dynamic eight members of staff who provide a wide range of skills and experience, promoting strong volunteer management practices and governance. Established in 1980, our network has grown to support over 360-member organisations providing a wide range of befriending services. Our Purpose is to: Provide a high standard of information, training, and consultancy in relation to [...]