Social Connection, Justlife’s befriending scheme, has been matching volunteers with people moving away from homelessness for over a year now, coordinating regular meet ups and phone calls to tackle the loneliness and isolation that so many affected by homelessness face.
The project has evolved since its launch back in June 2020, transitioning from a telephone befriending scheme during the height of the pandemic, to face-to-face meetings once restrictions were relaxed.
Today, the project involves regular meet ups where people who have used Justlife’s services and volunteers can engage in fun community activities together such as going for a coffee, attending an event or just having a chat in the park; and a peer support group that meets regularly at a local venue in Brighton to connect, have a laugh and support one another.
During a period where loneliness and isolation has soared for not only people living alone in various forms of temporary accommodation, but also for people in the wider community, this project has provided everyone involved with someone to talk to, confide in, and develop a meaningful connection with.
Take a look at the infographic below for a snapshot of the project’s impact from the past year. If you know someone who is moving away from homelessness who might benefit from this project, please fill out the referral form and email it to Si, the Project Coordinator on si.campbell@justlife.org.uk
