Meet the team

Started at b:friend: Aug 2022

Loves: Running, walks in the Peak District with my dog, and board games with friends

Dislikes: Housework and heights

Best b:friend memory:

I was lucky enough to represent b:friend when Doncaster received its city status. I got the chance to meet the King and Queen and talk about the amazing work of b:friend and the importance of reducing loneliness.

Started at b:friend: August 2024

Loves: Getting outdoors, exploring the UK and spending time with family

Dislikes: Rollercoasters and seafood! 

Best b:friend memory: Being welcomed into b:friend by the lovely team during our away day and visiting my first Social Club in Gleadless

Started at b:friend: April 2018

Loves: My family and especially my new twin grandsons Luca and Freddie.

Dislikes:  Ironing

Best b:friend memories: The day I started at b:friend, making over 400 pairings, and the day an older neighbour who had anxiety and hadn't been out for  2 years came to my Balby Social Club.

Started at b:friend: Feb 2019

Loves: the best football team in Sheffield

Dislikes: Baked beans

Best b:friend memory: Being invited for a tour of Downing Street - we took one of our amazing volunteers, Carys and her Older Neighbour, Dennis. Dennis confessed that at his age he never thought he would leave Sheffield again, let alone go to Number 10. Downing Street was amazing, but that wasn't the best bit. The best bit was seeing the trust Dennis had in Carys and their wonderful friendship. It was a real privilege to spend the day with them and see the positive impact that b:friend has.

Started at b:friend: September 2024

Loves: Spending time with my little family, baking and crafting

Dislikes: Bad manners

Best b:friend memory: My b:friend welcome breakfast where I got to meet most of the team. Everyone was so welcoming, and one of the team had brought in the nicest cake! 

Started at b:friend: October 2021

Loves: Getting outdoors with my friends or with a good podcast, discovering new restaurants

Dislikes: Early mornings and mushy peas

Best b:friend memory: Dancing and laughing with my Sheffield Social Club, and the first time I heard a volunteer saying she thinks of her older neighbour as family now.

Started at b:friend: March 2024

Loves: Food, looking after my chickens, naps

Dislikes: Lateness, rudeness, tinned macaroni cheese

Best b:friend memory: Seeing a social club member transform from being shy and nervous into a confident and bubbly member of the gang!

Started at b:friend - October 2018 

Loves: Reading, Chocolate & Cher

Dislikes: litterbugs and wearing socks

Best b:friend memory: Attending the Buckingham Palace Garden party when we were awarded the Queen's Award for Volunteering.

Started at b:friend: May 2023

Loves: trying to control my unruly garden then sitting in it with family and friends

Dislikes: My teenagers when they don’t tidy up their mess

Best b:friend memory: My first day with b:friend at our Coronation Party meeting staff and 150 older neighbours from our social clubs. It was a fantastic celebration and the absolute best introduction to b:friend.

Started at b:friend: May 2019

Loves:  God, my family, travelling, sharing a laugh with friends and family, reading and meeting new people

Dislikes: ironing, spicy food, rudeness, and unfairness

Best b:friend memory: So many to think of. I look back on the lockdown when we took gifts to people in the community who were especially struggling, it was amazing to see their gratitude at being thought of. The Coronation party was fantastic. b:friend gave me the opportunity to become special friends with a very special lady who I have been visiting since December 2019.