Awards and Recognition

We are grateful for the recognition that both Time to Talk Befriending and its founder have received over the years. These acknowledgements reflect the collective efforts of our scheme members, volunteers, staff, trustees and supporters, whose compassion and commitment make this work possible.‍

Recognition of our Founder

Emily Kenward, founder of Time to Talk Befriending, has been honoured on several occasions for her contribution to community connection and support for older people. These awards recognise not individual achievement, but the shared impact of a growing movement of people choosing to give time, care and presence.

Emily has been recognised through:
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Brighton and Hove civic honour ‘Freewomen of the City’, recognising exceptional contribution to the life of the city and its communities (2025)

Community Champion bespoke community bench dedicated in her honour, celebrating her commitment to reducing loneliness and strengthening community connection (2021)

Above & Beyond Brighton & Hove Buses, celebrating local leadership rooted in kindness, inclusion and service (2021)

Emily consistently emphasises that none of this work has ever been done in isolation. Every recognition reflects the generosity of volunteers, the trust of scheme members, the dedication of trustees, staff and the encouragement of partners and supporters who have walked alongside the charity from its earliest days.

Recognition of the Charity

Time to Talk Befriending has received awards and public recognition for its approach to befriending, safeguarding and community connection, including the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024, the highest honour for voluntary groups in the United Kingdom and equivalent to an MBE for charities.

These acknowledgements reflect the charity’s commitment to quality, dignity and relationship centred support, and the ongoing influence of older people and volunteers in shaping how the service develops and is delivered.

We receive these honours with gratitude and humility, taking them as encouragement to continue learning, listening and serving our community well.

Support us today

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.

Learn how you can support us