About us
Our purpose
We all need to feel connected, no matter our age - to share stories, to be heard and to have fun. As we get older or face life changes, opportunities for connection can become fewer. We understand how painful loneliness and isolation can be. That’s why we have made it our purpose to bring our community together through friendship.
With over 27 years of experience, we are a trusted local charity helping people move from isolation towards confidence, belonging and connection. Through skilled matching, compassionate support and nearly 200 activities and events each year, our dedicated team supports more than 1,300 people to feel valued and part of their community.
Our difference
Supporting someone who feels lonely or forgotten is something our whole community comes together to do. Our highly skilled team carefully matches volunteers and clients based on shared interests, personalities and life experiences, helping friendships to grow naturally and meaningfully.
Volunteers show up with consistency and kindness, often building relationships that last for years.
Alongside one-to-one visits, our thriving online community, welcoming groups, fundraising events and activities throughout the year create opportunities for fun, confidence and new connections. From our weekly community café and social activities such as crafts and singing, to award-winning specialist programmes like Active Minds and Link to Nature, we help people build lasting friendships and feel part of something bigger.
Our team
We are not a charity that is short-term, we are there for the nitty gritty, for the long haul, for life’s ups and downs, for the big transitions and for the end of life too.
Behind every volunteer match, every group activity, every training session, every support group, and every piece of transport arranged, there is a staff member who invests their heart and soul into making it happen. They are the masterminds who meticulously coordinate the logistics, handle administrative tasks and provide guidance and support to both our volunteers and the individuals we serve.
Our awards
We are proud recipients of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Equivalent to an MBE, it is awarded for life. We were recently named ‘Charity of the Year’ at The Great British National Business & Community Awards.
Our story
1998 - 2007 → A local church reaches out to lonely people at Christmas. Services gradually expand across 15 churches.
2007 - 2010 → Seedbed donation and first employee, Marjie Walker (now our CEO). Becomes a registered charity.
2011 → First Christmas Day event - we've done it every year since!
2016 - 2018 → Community Kitchen launches. Charity continues to grow: 5 part time staff, 285 volunteers, 300 Link Friends.
2020 → Covid strikes. The Link to help support the 3,000 most vulnerable residents in the borough. 457 volunteers support 730 Link Friends. Launch of Link Online and Friendship Groups.
2021 → Recipients of The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. Launch of Active Minds and Link to Nature. We move to our wonderful office.
2022 → Our Summer Party returns after the pandemic. Demand continues to rise. Expanded reach through Friendship Alliance.
2023 → We celebrate our 25th anniversary. Launch of Link Thursdays community cafe.
2025 → Named Charity of the Year at the Great British Business & Community Awards, chosen from 2,000 nominations nationwide.
2026→ 800+ Link Friends supported by over 515 volunteers.
Our partnerships
We have always believed that the best outcomes for lonely and isolated people come when a community works together. That's why partnership is at the heart of everything we do.
Operating with integrity
The Link Visiting Scheme is committed to operating safely and responsibly. We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO no: 00019441181) and hold IASME Cyber Essentials certification, demonstrating our commitment to data protection and cybersecurity.
We are governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees and are committed to full financial transparency. We are a registered charity (no: 1139248) and a registered company (no: 07349468). You can view our annual report, meet our trustees, and read our policies including our safeguarding policy.
Download our logo
Our logo is available to download for anyone supporting or promoting The Link Visiting Scheme, such as fundraisers, partner organisations, or local media. If you have any questions or need anything else, please contact our team.