The Duncan & Toplis Foundation supports charities and community organisations that make a meaningful difference within the communities it serves. Among the latest recipients is b:friend, a charity dedicated to tackling loneliness and social isolation among older people through befriending services and community-based social activities.
A grant from the Foundation has helped b:friend expand its work across Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire, supporting the development of its one-to-one befriending service and a growing programme of social clubs. The funding will contribute towards essential costs, including volunteer DBS checks and the delivery of social activities, while also helping the charity increase its outreach to meet rising demand across both regions.
Founded nine years ago, b:friend was created with a simple but powerful mission: to end loneliness. Its one-to-one befriending programme matches volunteers with older people who may be socially isolated or unable to get out and about, encouraging them to spend an hour each week together over a cup of tea and a conversation. These regular interactions create meaningful connections that can have a significant impact on wellbeing, confidence and quality of life.
Alongside its befriending work, b:friend runs a wide range of social clubs designed to bring people together through shared experiences and activities. From dance classes and Zumba sessions to self-defence and martial arts, the clubs provide opportunities for older people to stay active, make new friends and become part of a supportive community.
The grant from The Duncan & Toplis Foundation has enabled b:friend to establish three additional social clubs in Nottinghamshire while strengthening its existing presence in North Derbyshire. By supporting this expansion, the funding will help the charity reach more older people experiencing loneliness and ensure that vital social connections remain accessible to those who need them most.
Andrew Lofthouse, Corporate Relationships Manager at b:friend, said: “The donation received from The Duncan & Toplis Foundation is invaluable for the survival of smaller charities that face huge demand for their services within local communities.
“With this extremely generous support, we can put this funding to use directly where it will genuinely change and save lives.”
If you would like to support the continued work of The Duncan & Toplis Foundation, you can donate here. Alternatively, if you’re looking for funding for a local community initiative, find out more about our grant criteria and how to apply here.
