FFL is well known in Bedford as the provider of a unique and valued service to socially isolated residents in care homes for the elderly. Since its inception in 2007, we have demonstrated resilience and flexibility by adapting our provision as required (particularly when face to face visits were not allowed during Covid) and our more recent development of wellbeing activities is being well received.

We are the only befriending service supporting residents in care homes for the elderly in Bedfordshire and there are few equivalent services elsewhere in the UK. We have an ever- growing team of trained and dedicated volunteers who we match to residents ensuring a tailored and personalised service. We match residents to befrienders as closely as possible by considering background, interests and language, this supports the building of real friendships which is of mutual benefit to both residents and volunteers.

Our developing wellbeing programme supplements our befriending service by bringing together volunteer individuals and organisations to provide activities within care homes for groups of residents.