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Time to Talk Befriending was founded on 10 December 2013, rooted in a simple belief that everyone deserves to be seen and to feel remembered, valued and connected.
The charity was founded by Emily Kenward, whose early work and research alongside older people highlighted both the deep loneliness many experienced and the extraordinary wisdom, humour and life still waiting to be shared. From the beginning, the vision was never about services alone, but about restoring relationship, dignity and belonging.
From 10 December 2013 to 10 December 2025, more than 3,500 older people have been supported by Time to Talk Befriending, alongside a similar number of volunteers. This reflects a shared commitment to connection, kindness and being present with one another.
Emily’s fuller founding story, and the heart behind the charity’s beginnings, can be read here.
Throughout this journey, Emily remains deeply grateful for the opportunities she has been given and is motivated by her Christian faith, which she seeks to express through compassion, integrity and service. This values led approach continues to influence how the charity works with care, humility and respect for others.
Importantly, this work has never been undertaken alone. From the very start, Time to Talk Befriending has been built and sustained by dedicated staff, volunteers, trustees, partners and supporters, working side by side with shared purpose.
Time to Talk Befriending is a relational charity. Everything we do is informed by listening carefully to the collective voice of the older people we support and the volunteers who walk alongside them.
Our services continue to develop through conversation, reflection and learning. We actively invite feedback, stories and ideas from scheme members and volunteers, and we use this insight to shape how we work, how we grow and how we remain responsive to real lives and real experiences.
The learning gathered through our work has also contributed to wider national conversations, including informing the Emerging Together: the Tackling Loneliness Network Action Plan - GOV.UK and UK Bereavement Commission | Marie Curie. In this way, the voices of our scheme members and volunteers help shape understanding and practice beyond our local community.
This commitment to learning and best practice is reflected in our leadership. Our founder, Emily Kenward, is chair of Befriending Networks | The Network for Befriending Organisations, the national umbrella body for befriending organisations, where she works to promote high standards, shared learning and the value of befriending at a national level.
Together, this approach ensures our work remains grounded, human and relevant. It reflects our belief that older people are not passive recipients of support, but individuals with insight, agency and much to contribute.
Check out our research and resources for further information.
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At the heart of Time to Talk Befriending is a commitment to connection that is mutual, respectful and rooted in kindness.
We exist to help older people rediscover purpose and value in later life, and to strengthen community through relationships that matter.
As we continue to grow and evolve, our foundation remains the same. Strong relationships, underpinned by robust governance, enable us to serve with compassion, accountability and confidence for the years ahead.
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Your donations and support helps to change lives and overcome loneliness.
Could you support us financially? In doing so you will enable us to positively connect with older people who feel ‘invisible’, ‘forgotten’, and ‘alone’.
Regular monthly or one off donations make a significant difference to our Charity.
We need the generous support of our community, both big and small to improve the lives of society's most lonely, isolated and vulnerable older people.
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