Caring for someone can bring many rewarding moments, but it can also feel lonely.
You may find it difficult to leave the person you care for. Perhaps getting out of the house has become harder, or attending a group simply isn’t possible. Friends and family may not always understand the demands of your caring role. Over time, it can become harder to stay connected with the people and activities you once enjoyed.
Sometimes, having someone to talk to can make a real difference.
That is what *Brenda discovered through the Check in and Chat service at Carers Support West Sussex.
Finding connection when getting out isn’t possible
Before Carers Support West Sussex contacted her, Brenda was feeling increasingly isolated.
As she is housebound, attending groups wasn’t an option for her. Over time, she also found that friends contacted her less often. Her world had become smaller, and she was spending more time on her own.
Through Check in and Chat, Brenda was matched with a befriender who now calls her regularly.
The conversations are simple and relaxed. There is no pressure and no expectation. It is an opportunity to talk, share stories and enjoy someone else’s company.
For Brenda, those phone calls have become something she genuinely looks forward to.
“It’s light-hearted and gives me a little lift. It feels ‘normal’. When we’re chatting, I almost forget about being at home.”
Their conversations can last nearly an hour, but Brenda says the time seems to pass in minutes.
Something to look forward to
One of the things Brenda particularly values is the consistency of the relationship.
Her befriender is reliable. When she says she will phone, she phones.
That might sound like a small thing, but when opportunities for social contact are limited, knowing that someone is going to call can mean a great deal. It gives Brenda something positive to anticipate and has helped their relationship feel comfortable and reassuring.
It is a reminder that connection doesn’t always have to mean going somewhere or joining a group. Sometimes it can begin with a conversation.
That message feels particularly appropriate during Befriending Week, which takes place from 1 to 7 November. The national campaign celebrates befriending and raises awareness of the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities. The theme for 2026 is “Supporting each other through meaningful connections.” [befriending.co.uk]
Befriending can also help tackle isolation and create connections both in person and at a distance. [befriending.co.uk]
For carers like Brenda, that connection can simply start with picking up the phone.
Could Check in and Chat help you?
If you are a carer and you are feeling lonely or isolated, you do not have to dismiss those feelings or think that you should simply manage on your own.
Perhaps you would like more social contact but find it difficult to get out. Maybe groups aren’t right for you, or you would simply appreciate having someone to talk to regularly.
Check in and Chat could give you the opportunity for a friendly conversation and something positive to look forward to.
Brenda’s advice to another carer considering befriending is simple: give it a chance.
“Try not to overthink it. Be open-minded, take the first phone call as it comes and see how you feel. There is no pressure for everything to be perfect straight away.”
And importantly, Brenda says not to worry if the first match doesn’t feel quite right.
“If you and your befriender don’t click or do not have much in common, be honest. You can be matched with someone else. Don’t give up, because when the match works, it gives you so much to look forward to.”
It is a lovely reminder that befriending is about finding a human connection that feels comfortable for you.
Could you make a difference to a carer?
Befriending Week is also an opportunity to celebrate the people who give their time to support others and the difference those connections can make. [befriending.co.uk]
If Brenda’s story has inspired you, perhaps you could be that friendly voice at the end of the phone for somebody else.
Carers Support West Sussex would love to hear from people interested in becoming a befriender.
Get in touch with our volunteering team at volunteerin@carerssupport.org.uk or visit the Carers Support West Sussex website to find out more.
* Names have been changed to protect anonymity
