Meet the team: Befriending Coordinator Emma

We are delighted to welcome on board our newest team member, Emma Catley.

Emma joined b:friend in March to help our charity create more friendships for older neighbours in Nottinghamshire. She will work on our 1:1 befriending programme, host the Kimberley Social Club, as well as launching new volunteer-led Social Clubs bringing together the older generation across the county.

Emma said: “My working background is quite varied. I’ve worked as part of an airline cabin crew, in professional football clubs, and I have managed my family’s fashion boutique.

“Through community groups that I have set up previously and through meeting lots of people, it is evident that there’s sadly a lot of lonely and/or isolated older neighbours in our communities, so when I saw that b:friend were hiring for this role, I had to apply! I have a passion for helping people, and through my work at b:friend, I get to make a difference and assist in helping brighten someone’s day, which is truly amazing!”

Read Emma’s bite-sized bio:

Started at b:friend: March 2026

Loves: My Grandparents, my dog, days out at the seaside & chocolate

Dislikes: Rude people, salad & roadworks

Best b:friend memory: I’ve not been here very long, and I’m still learning the ropes, but it’s a joy to see what a difference b:friend and our volunteers make to its older neighbours.