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Befriending Service
Many people in Fife are affected by social isolation and loneliness for various reasons, which has a negative impact on their physical and mental health. Volunteer Befrienders can help alleviate these adverse affects by supporting vulnerable adults who are lonely and isolated which helps build stronger social connections and also improves the confidence and well-being for both parties. We recruit, train and match Volunteer Befrienders who provide meaningful social connection with local befriendees. We also provide ongoing support and development and reimburse mileage expenses. The befriending service operates across Central Fife, Levenmouth and North East Fife areas. If you are interested in volunteering or would benefit from the support of a befriender, please contact: Suzanne Forsyth, Co-ordinator Phone: 01592 630253 Email: [email protected] 
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Suzanne Forsyth - Befriending Co-ordinator
Laura Parkinson - Activities Co-ordinator
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BEFRIENDING REFERRAL FORM - CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO COMPLETE AN ONLINE FORM
Crossroads Befriending Referral Form
Crossroads Befriending Referral Form
Jean and Alane
Jean was initially referred to Crossroads Fife Befriending Service in March 2024. At that time, there were no available Volunteer Befrienders to provide befriending. Jean’s referral remained on the waiting list until the time that Alane had applied to become a Volunteer Befriender and, following completed training in June 2025, Alane was identified as a potential match for Jean.
In July 2025, Jean was assessed for her suitability for the befriending service, however, she initially showed some resistance to befriending support, it was clear she was experiencing social isolation. Following the assessment a suitable match was recognised between Alane and Jean.
A successful introductory meeting between Alane and Jean took place in August 2025, and the befriending relationship formally began on 18th August 2025.
Jean had lost confidence in going outdoors due to visual impairment and as a result, she had become increasingly socially isolated and reluctant to engage in the local community.
Through regular visits and companionship, Alane provided encouragement and reassurance, gradually helping Jean to rebuild her confidence. Together, they began taking short walks, allowing Jean to become more comfortable and independent outside her home.
Feedback and review meetings demonstrated a positive impact from the befriending relationship. Jean now goes out regularly with Alane and has experienced noticeable improvements in:
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Mood and emotional well-being
- Social engagement and conversation
Jean shared the following feedback about her befriending experience:
“I feel more confident, energised and uplifted by Alane’s visits and I look forward to seeing Alane as she is understanding and easy to talk to. I really enjoy our conversations”
The befriending relationship between Alane and Jean has been highly successful. What began as a situation of social isolation, loneliness and low confidence has developed into a supportive befriending relationship that has enabled Jean to reconnect with her community and enjoy a more active and fulfilling lifestyle. Jean has blossomed since the visits with Alane started, demonstrating the significant positive impact that befriending support can have on an individual’s health and wellbeing.
Meet Kaye
After losing my husband, Jerry, I was feeling very down, lacked interest in everyday life and had no energy. After seeking advice, I was contacted by Sandie at Fife Forum who suggested volunteering at Crossroads Fife. I contacted Marie, the Befriending Coordinator who guided me through the recruitment procedure, which was easy to navigate, and after an informal, relaxed interview I was offered the role of Volunteer.
The initial training provided by Crossroads Fife was enjoyable, informative and I learned a lot, so I was confident in my role as a Volunteer. Also, anytime I request further training or further information, I am provided with this quickly by the Befriending Coordinator who is extremely approachable.
Being a Volunteer has been life changing for me. I now have a purpose in life and my mental health has greatly improved as I now spend two days a week volunteering which means I need to get myself up in the morning, get washed and dressed and out of the door. I volunteer at a befriending group on a Tuesday, and I also provide 1-2-1 befriending with a lady on a Wednesday. This has improved my confidence and well-being immensely.
When I decided to volunteer I did it so that not only would it make a difference to other peoples lives, it would also make a difference to my life. I now feel like I have a purpose and have made new friends through volunteering. I enjoy it greatly and I hope to continue volunteering for as long as I can.
Being a Befriender by Nancy
I’ve been volunteering with Crossroads Fife for several years now and it's become such an important and wonderful part of my life. My befriendee and I have an amazing friendship that we both treasure. I've seen a big improvement in her confidence as well as my own. I've even had the courage to return to part-time work and also continue my befriending!
Being a Befriender by Donna
I started phone befriending during the Covid pandemic. We enjoyed our weekly phone calls and discovered many shared interests as mature students. When the restrictions lifted, we met for garden visits and explored St Andrews before her University course started. It is very satisfying to see her confidence improve and her anxiety fade and be involved in her journey. I have to say that being a befriender continues to be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience for me.
The initial training provided by Crossroads Fife was enjoyable, informative and I learned a lot, so I was confident in my role as a Volunteer. Also, anytime I request further training or further information, I am provided with this quickly by the Befriending Coordinator who is extremely approachable.
Being a Volunteer has been life changing for me. I now have a purpose in life and my mental health has greatly improved as I now spend two days a week volunteering which means I need to get myself up in the morning, get washed and dressed and out of the door. I volunteer at a befriending group on a Tuesday, and I also provide 1-2-1 befriending with a lady on a Wednesday. This has improved my confidence and well-being immensely.
When I decided to volunteer I did it so that not only would it make a difference to other peoples lives, it would also make a difference to my life. I now feel like I have a purpose and have made new friends through volunteering. I enjoy it greatly and I hope to continue volunteering for as long as I can.
Being a Befriender by Nancy
I’ve been volunteering with Crossroads Fife for several years now and it's become such an important and wonderful part of my life. My befriendee and I have an amazing friendship that we both treasure. I've seen a big improvement in her confidence as well as my own. I've even had the courage to return to part-time work and also continue my befriending!
Being a Befriender by Donna
I started phone befriending during the Covid pandemic. We enjoyed our weekly phone calls and discovered many shared interests as mature students. When the restrictions lifted, we met for garden visits and explored St Andrews before her University course started. It is very satisfying to see her confidence improve and her anxiety fade and be involved in her journey. I have to say that being a befriender continues to be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience for me.
IMPACT STATEMENT
Crossroads Fife offers a befriending service which provides meaningful social connection and emotional support to people who are socially isolated, helping to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, and strengthen community inclusion. Through regular contact, compassionate listening, and trusted relationships, the service creates safe opportunities for individuals to feel valued, heard, and connected.
We provide one to one, group and telephone support to adults in Fife. There are currently 21 active volunteers supporting 43 befriendees. Recent review feedback shows a 96% satisfaction rate, demonstrating a significant positive impact on wellbeing and social connection for both volunteers and befriendees.
The impact of the service can be seen across several areas:
Crossroads Fife offers a befriending service which provides meaningful social connection and emotional support to people who are socially isolated, helping to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, and strengthen community inclusion. Through regular contact, compassionate listening, and trusted relationships, the service creates safe opportunities for individuals to feel valued, heard, and connected.
We provide one to one, group and telephone support to adults in Fife. There are currently 21 active volunteers supporting 43 befriendees. Recent review feedback shows a 96% satisfaction rate, demonstrating a significant positive impact on wellbeing and social connection for both volunteers and befriendees.
The impact of the service can be seen across several areas:
- Reduced loneliness and isolation: Participants experience increased social interaction and a greater sense of belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
- Improved mental wellbeing: Regular companionship and supportive conversations can improve confidence, mood, self-esteem, and emotional resilience.
- Greater independence: People are better able to engage with their local community, access services, and maintain daily routines and independence.
- Early intervention and prevention: Befrienders often identify emerging concerns before they escalate, helping to prevent deterioration in mental health and reducing pressure on health and social care services.
- Stronger community connections: The service fosters inclusive communities by building relationships across generations and backgrounds, encouraging empathy, volunteering, and social participation.
- Enhanced quality of life: Individuals report feeling safer, more supported, and more hopeful about the future through having someone they can trust and talk to regularly.
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Crossroads Fife, Buko Tower, Dalton Road, Glenrothes, Fife KY6 2SS
Phone 01592 610540 Crossroads Fife is a Charity Registered in Scotland (SC007781) Crossroads Fife is a Company Limited by Guarantee (SC178299) Crossroads Fife is registered with the Care Inspectorate as a Care at Home Service Provider (CS2004079063) - www.careinspectorate.com |