Helping children and young people feel less alone through shared activities and genuine connection.
Befriending
Our 14-week befriending cycles give children and young people the chance to connect with a volunteer who shares their interests, offering companionship and encouragement. Together, they explore hobbies, enjoy conversations, and build new skills – all in a supportive, relaxed space. At the end of each cycle, we reflect on the experience, celebrate what’s been gained, and decide if continuing would be valuable.
Befriending
Befriending is about more than activities – it’s about creating a positive and trusted relationship. Whether it’s chatting over a cup of tea, joining a book club, playing games, or exploring a creative hobby, each young person takes part in something enjoyable that meets their emotional and social needs.
Our befriending programme runs in 14-week cycles, giving structure while leaving plenty of room for flexibility and fun. At the end of each cycle, we review how things are going, ensuring the young person feels supported and fulfilled. If the match is working well and more time would help, we simply extend into another cycle.
Social learning goals differ for every young person, and serious illness can change them over time. Whatever the goal, we protect their sense of connection and keep opportunities for social growth available, shaping the support we offer.
A strong befriending experience comes from the right pairing. We carefully match each young person with a volunteer who shares their interests and has a compatible personality. This creates a supportive, meaningful connection – making sure the time spent together feels genuine, uplifting, and fun.
Connecting a young person with our support only takes a few minutes.
Complete our online referral form.
FAQs
We’ve gathered answers to help you learn more about how Bright Futures UK works and how we can support you.
Children and young people aged 5 to 24 in the United Kingdom whose education has been disrupted by a long-term physical or mental health condition. You need to have a diagnosis or be in the process of receiving one. We believe illness should not block learning or a young person’s future.
Online and personalised one-to-one tutoring, befriending, and mentoring led by volunteers. We also run group activities, including befriending, workshops, and CYP advocacy. Our aim is to make education accessible and equitable wherever you are learning from.
Adults from a mix of backgrounds, including university students, recent graduates, and professionals. Some are teachers or trainee teachers. All are here to help you learn with empathy and encouragement.
Most sessions are about one hour. We tailor the length and structure to energy levels, for example, shorter segments with a planned break.
It depends on your personal goals and progress. We review at regular intervals with you and your volunteer and agree whether to continue, pause, or end.
Children and young people aged 5 to 24 in the United Kingdom whose education has been disrupted by a long-term physical or mental health condition. They need to have a diagnosis or be in the process of receiving one. We believe illness should not block learning or a young person’s future.
Yes. Every volunteer completes an enhanced DBS check, safeguarding training, and role-specific training before they start. They are supported and supervised by Bright Futures UK staff.
They can support learning, confidence, goal setting, and social connection. They cannot offer medical advice, crisis support, or therapy, and they do not handle emergencies. Volunteers cannot accept payment for their support.
A young person, their parent, or carer can refer. Professionals such as hospital or school staff can refer with the child or young person’s consent. A Bright Futures team member will meet online to understand goals and needs, agree on a plan that the child or young person helps shape, and then match them with a trained volunteer.
No. All programmes are free.