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.