Meet our board of trustees

I got to know b:friend through a consulting project, and I felt an immediate click with the organisation. So when I was asked to apply for the Chair position, I didn't have to think twice about it. It is a privilege leading such a values-driven organisation with such committed and capable staff. We are looking to significantly grow our impact, which will truly put b:friend on the national map, a very exciting time indeed. I have previously been a trustee for the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, I volunteer as a management consultant for the Cranfield Trust and day to day, I head up the International Alumni Engagement team at Sheffield University.

Hello! I'm Matthew Lollar, and I proudly serve as a trustee of b:friend, a charity dedicated to combatting loneliness!

My journey has taken me from my Florida roots to the UK, where I've been for about 17 years. Growing up in a retired military community instilled in me a deep appreciation for the companionship of older friends, which has become a driving passion in my life. 

I started my journey as a befriender in December 2021, and my dedication to the cause led me to join the board in 2023. 

In my professional life, I work in the IT sector for a global company in a presale role. 

Beyond the office, I'm a devoted husband and a proud father of two children, both born in Sheffield. 

I firmly believe in the importance of community and that loneliness can be alleviated through genuine friendship. This belief is at the core of my work at b:friend and my commitment to making a difference in the lives of our older friends in our community.

I am honoured to be trustee and treasurer of b:friend, having joined the board in 2021. I am passionate about b:friend's mission and truly believe that no one should have no one. For a few years, I have volunteered in my local community as a telephone befriender for older neighbours experiencing loneliness and cooking and delivering meals on Christmas Day. I am a chartered accountant and am very grateful for the opportunity to use my accounting experience in a way that gives back and supports a cause very close to my heart.

I am an entrepreneur with extensive experience in the IT industry. Born in Doncaster, I am the founder and CEO of Together.ly, a software platform that enables charities to reduce loneliness and isolation by establishing connections and building communities remotely. I have over two decades of experience as the founder and CEO of Meetupcall, a reputable and affordable conference call provider. Prior to these ventures, I held key positions such as Network Manager at Case IH and Global IT Manager at thebigword, where in 2005 I spearheaded the development of an automated telephone interpreting system that continues to services an £80m UK government contract for interpreting.

After becoming aware of b:friend in 2019 and observing the great work they do in South Yorkshire to address loneliness, I was pleased to be able to join the board of trustees and contribute to the future plans of b:friend.

My name is Becky, I have been a volunteer with b:friend for nearly 4 years (where I met my friend Brian) and I recently joined the Board of Trustees. I spent most of my younger life living in South Lincolnshire, but have been living in Sheffield since moving as a student in 2009. I work as a Geriatric Registrar caring for older people across South Yorkshire. I originally joined b:friend so that I could spend more time chatting, sharing stories and drinking tea, something there’s not much time for in the NHS these days! In my day job I see the impact loneliness has on patients’ physical and mental health daily, I feel very strongly that building communities with strong friendships will make a really big difference to so many people’s lives. I hope through being a member of the Board of Trustees I can help b:friend to work towards this aim. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog at our allotment; I also enjoy bouldering, calligraphy, baking and camping trips. 

I joined the board of trustees as I feel passionately that we as a society need to reduce social isolation and loneliness - a problem which directly impacts our health and wellbeing. I hope that being a member of the board will enable us to reach more neighbours and my experience of healthcare for older people will help build links within health and social care.