Time to Talk Befriending

Every older person should know they matter, belong and are valued throughout later life. Together with 300 volunteers, our excellence-accredited charity provides meaningful, whole person-centred support to over 600 older people each year across Brighton, Hove, Worthing and Adur. Through dementia-friendly befriending, social groups and welfare support, we go beyond overcoming loneliness to nurture connection, belonging and wellbeing.
Our charity was founded in 2013 by listening to older people, and their collective voice continues to shape who we are and what we do. We use this insight to inform research, challenge negative stereotypes around ageing and strengthen and influence practice. Our work explores living well beyond physical health and social connection, to include mattering, belonging, meaning and hope. Through this work we have developed understanding and practical guidance to help other charities and community organisations respond to frailty, grief, death and dying. In 2025 our founder was awarded the title of Freewoman of the City of Brighton & Hove, acknowledging the exceptional work of the charity she founded in transforming the lives of thousands of local older people.