How we work with fantastic local partners
This year, the theme for Befriending Week is Collaboration and Partnership, which couldn’t be more fitting. Everything we do at The Link Visiting Scheme is built on connection, not just between volunteers and Link Friends, but between the incredible local organisations, health professionals, and community groups who share our vision for a more connected Wokingham.
Our charity is proud to have partnerships with a variety of local organisations to address the complex needs of the Borough’s older population. We are also members of the NCVO and the Befriending Networks. Together, we offer a more comprehensive, safe and holistic approach to care and support.
Josie Obo-Mends, Locum Social Worker, East Social Care Team, told us: “The Link Visiting Scheme is a great service that has helped numerous of my clients in relation to their social inclusion and daily living activities. Their team members are creative and proactive. Link Visiting is the difference between being a good company and a great company.”
We are part of several important initiatives in Wokingham:
The Friendship Alliance
Led by The Link Visiting Scheme, the Friendship Alliance is a dynamic partnership between Involve Community Services, Age UK Berkshire, and the Wokingham Volunteer Centre. United by a shared mission to reduce loneliness and social isolation across Wokingham Borough, the Alliance has made significant strides this year, thanks to the continued support of Wokingham Borough Council.
Together, we are building a more connected, compassionate community through:
Friendship-based activities that foster meaningful relationships
Accessible information and support for those who need it most
One-to-one digital coaching through our Link Online programme
Empowering local organisations to sustain and grow their services
Inclusive community events that bring people together
Each partner brings unique strengths, working in harmony to create a lasting impact.
Under the leadership of Project Manager, Jayne Streak, our bi-weekly newsletter showcases over 755 local activities, reaching 532 subscribers, a 23.43% increase from last year. This growth reflects the community’s deepening engagement and the increasing value placed on staying connected.
Friendship Tables
One of our proudest achievements is the expansion of Friendship Tables, a network of 65 welcoming venues across the borough where anyone can drop in, enjoy refreshments, and connect with others. Available every day of the week, these tables ensure that no one has to feel alone. Our Friendship Table calendar is now a vital tool used by Adult Social Care, social prescribers, and health professionals to prevent the serious effects of loneliness. It stands as a shining example of a preventative, community-led approach to wellbeing.
Friendship Champions
At the core of our work within the Friendship Alliance are 105 dedicated Friendship Champions, local volunteers who actively foster community spirit in the organisations and areas they participate in and build bridges between people. 92 of these ambassadors participate in quarterly forums, sharing insights and helping us identify and address service gaps.
Reducing social isolation and loneliness
We are proud to be active members of the Public Health-led Social Isolation and Loneliness (SiL) Action Group, a collaborative initiative uniting council departments and trusted voluntary sector partners. Together, we address the complex and evolving challenges of social isolation, particularly among underrepresented groups such as men, LGBTQAI+ and individuals in residential care or sheltered housing.
Each partner brings unique expertise to the table, enabling us to share insights, co-design solutions, and implement targeted interventions that make a real difference in people’s lives. This collective approach ensures that no one is left behind in our mission to build a more connected and compassionate community.
Strengthening the voluntary sector
We also play a key role in the Voluntary Sector Action Group, a strategic alliance formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by Director of Public Health Dr. Ingrid Slade, this group brings together influential leaders and decision-makers from the voluntary sector and Wokingham Borough Council.
What began as a crisis response has evolved into a powerful platform for long-term collaboration, innovation, and advocacy. Together, we continue to shape policies and services that support the wellbeing of our residents and strengthen the fabric of our community.
We are proud to contribute to the Ageing Well Subgroup of the BOB Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Wokingham Borough Carers Strategy Group, and to have formally pledged our support to Community Vision 2035, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to a thriving, inclusive future for all.
Amanda Cracknell, Social Prescriber said:
“I am truly grateful to be able to refer some of our lovely patients to your exceptional befriending service. I know once I send in a referral, the client will be contacted in a timely manner by a friendly member of your team. From then on, they will feel very much a part of the Link Visiting community. The way you get to know your clients and match them with a volunteer is evidently well thought through, as it seems from the feedback I receive, you pretty much get it spot on! Our patients feel an improvement in their wellbeing due to the social interaction with their befriender, especially as many don't see anyone else for a proper conversation. The Christmas lunch and gift delivery on Christmas Day is awe-inspiring and shows those who may be feeling lonely that people in their community really do care. You all do a wonderful job, thank you!”
#BefriendingWeek