- About us
- Our Services
- Good Friends
An initiative that encourages people to help their disadvantaged neighbours - Health & Wellbeing Activities
A range of groups and activities to help you to stay healthy as you get older - Befriending
Companionship for lonely and isolated older people who just need somebody to talk to - Computing & Internet
Volunteer-led sessions to help older people get online and stay safe - Respite Day Care
A safe, stimulating environment for your relative that encourages social interaction - Veterans Support Service
A range of specialist services tailored to the needs of veterans in Darlington - Information & Advice
Offering free, confidential advice around benefits, housing and more - Ex Forces Support
Telephone befriending, support, signposting & guidance for older veterans across North Yorkshire - Living With and Beyond Cancer
We're supporting older people to live well after cancer diagnosis with a package of support, advice and services. - Community Minibus
Low-cost Minibus hire for community groups, with drivers available - Café Refresh
Providing nutritious meals in a sociable, volunteer-led environment - Three 4 Darlington
Three 4 Darlington is an information hub open for the public to receive advice and support on a range of topics in the Town Centre.
Health & WellbeingSupport & AdviceCommunity - Good Friends
- Activities & Events
- Special Events
Extra special one-off events not to be missed, ranging from event days to fundraisers. - Classes & Activities
Ranging from dance classes, to art, IT and music, there's sure to be something for you. - Support Groups
There's a peer support group for everyone, from stroke club to veterans group. - Lunch Clubs
Our lunch clubs offer nutritious, sociable lunches in a relaxed setting.
What's OnTypes of ActivityBrowse by AreaBrowse by Keyword - Special Events
- Get Involved
Good Friends
An initiative that encourages people to help their disadvantaged neighbours
Cost:Free
Available in:Darlington
- A initiative that encourages local people to support a disadvantaged neighbour
- Older and vulnerable can receive visits from people to provide social companionship and help with specific tasks
- Good Friends won a national award in 2015 for it's work to support older people in Darlington
- To date over 800 Darlington residents have helped over 500 older and vulnerable people in need
About the Good Friends Service
Good Friends is a volunteer project with a difference. Good Friends focusses on the little ways people can help to improve the life of their older or vulnerable neighbours.
This project bridges the gap between voluntary sector services such as a Age UK Darlington’s ‘Rely on Me’ Befriending and Neighbourhood Watch’s ’just watching’ approach.
A network of Good Friends keeps a watchful eye on their older, isolated and/or vulnerable neighbours. They provide support and friendship. They also assist with a range of issues which if left unaddressed could compromise their ability to live safely and independently.
People from all walks of life are welcome to get involved, and the focus is on the little ways you can help make life easier for an older or vulnerable person in your area. If you want to volunteer but don’t have a lot of free time, or you want to get involved in another project alongside your usual volunteering then Good Friends is for you. Good Friends are people who want to give up some of their time to make a difference.
All Good Friends are fully DBS checked and have access to specialist training. They are then matched to a nearby person in need of help.
Good Friends is joint-funded by the following organisations:
- NHS Darlington Clinical Commissioning Group
- Darlington Borough Council
- Durham Police, Crime & Victims Commissioner
Community social support
Encouraging friendship
Attending local activities
What can Good Friends do?
The kinds of assistance Good Friends have provided includes:
- Social support: Decreasing isolation, increasing confidence and promoting positive well-being.
- Practical tasks, particularly for people with disabilities; for example helping with gardening, taking out wheelie bins, walking dogs.
- Accompanying on trips out, often where the recipient wouldn’t have had the confidence to do so alone, including going to the shops, attending lunch clubs, days out.
Good Friends recipients all report feeling more positive and having improved wellbeing as a result of being involved in the project.
How can I get involved?
We're aiming to support as many older and vulnerable people as possible. If you have an hour or so a week to spare, Good Friends is ideal for you.
We'll look to match you with someone nearby who has similar interests, and together we'll reduce loneliness and isolation in Darlington!
The level of support a Good Friend wishes to commit to is entirely their choice, and further opportunities are available to those who wish to take their volunteering further. Opportunities include accredited training, elevated responsibilities as a Good Friends leader - or more specific volunteering opportunities, such as a Volunteer Befriender.
Interested in becoming a Good Friend?
Did you know?
More than 900 Good Friends have helped over 800 socially isolated people
Good Friends Testimonials
Good Friends Location & Contacts
This service operates from:
Bradbury House
Age UK Darlington,
Bradbury House,
Beaumont Street West,
Darlington
DL1 5SX
Monday to Friday: 8:30AM - 4PM
Saturdays: 10AM - 2PM
Sundays: 12PM - 2.30PM
