By Peter Lindsey
Pictures: Matthew J Thomas Photography
BEFRIENDING Week starts on Sunday (November 1) – and a Sussex charity is staging an exhibition to celebrate why meaningful connections matter in later life.
Time to Talk Befriending is based in North Street, Portslade, and works across Brighton and Hove as well as Worthing and the Adur district, including Lancing and Shoreham.
The charity was formed in 2013 and offers a range of befriending services for those experiencing loneliness as they grow older.
Now – to mark the national Befriending Week – it is bringing its Side-by-Side exhibition to Worthing Town Hall.
The aim of the exhibition is to celebrate the relationships that develop through befriending and highlight why meaningful human connection can become increasingly important in later life.
It celebrates shared moments of connection through befriending, helping older people know they matter.
Emily Kenward, Founder and CEO of Time to Talk Befriending, said: ‘As we grow older, the things that make us who we are do not suddenly become less important.
“We still want to be known, listened to, share our interests, contribute and know that we matter.
“Side by Side celebrates the relationships that make that possible.
“Befriending can look very simple from the outside, but a dependable relationship takes thought, trust and ongoing support.
“Our role is not just to introduce two people. We support the relationship so it can continue to be meaningful and safe as life changes.”
For Time to Talk Befriending, befriending is about much more than providing someone to talk to.
The charity specialises in creating and sustaining carefully matched befriending relationships between dedicated volunteers and older people who can find staying connecting increasingly difficult after changes in health, mobility, memory, confidence or personal circumstances.
Its approach includes getting to know the whole person, careful matching, ongoing reviews, volunteer support, safeguarding, signposting and support when circumstances change.
Emily said: “Much of this is reflected in the exhibition itself. The photographs make visible relationships that often develop quietly, week by week, including in the homes of older people who may otherwise have few opportunities to connect with others.”
“They celebrate not only conversation and companionship, but what it can mean to be remembered and valued, while still having opportunities to share interests, experience and humour.
“This Befriending Week, Time to Talk Befriending is asking for befriending to be recognised and supported as an essential service for health and wellbeing, so that more people can experience meaningful connection when they need it.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about Time to Talk Befriending, accessing its services or volunteering is invited to meet the team at Worthing Town Hall between 10am and 3pm on Tuesday 3 November.
The exhibition launches on Monday 2nd November 2026 until 26th November 2026.
Press contact
Emily Kenward, Founder & CEO
Time to Talk Befriending
07775 865845
Notes to Editors
Time to Talk Befriending was founded in December 2013 following local research into loneliness and isolation among older people. Its work connects older people with volunteer befrienders and chaplains, including people with few or no family or friends in their network.
Photographs available for publication
High-resolution photographs accompanying this story can be downloaded here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rY0sdCoFsM1y7iq8o6akcSZSYFNxXOyb?usp=sharing
Source: Matthew J Thomas Photography
