Aberdeen Befriending Network

A directory of services offering companionship, connection and support across Aberdeen.

Befriending & Social Connection

Aberdeen Linking Lives

Aberdeen Linking Lives is a befriending service for older adults that provides companionship through weekly home visits or phone calls. Volunteers are carefully selected, trained, and matched with individuals in need of friendship and support. This service helps combat loneliness and fosters connections within the community.

The Living Well Project

The Living Well Befriending Service aims to support anyone over 65 years of age who may be lonely or isolated in the North of Aberdeen. It achieves this by recruiting Volunteers (Befrienders) who visit a friend (Befriendee) in their own home weekly for about an hour.

Our Volunteers all agree that visiting their Befriendee is very rewarding and gives them a sense of fulfilment.

Re-Connect (King’s Community Foundation)

Re-Connect is a short-term, goals-based befriending project for older adults in Aberdeen experiencing loneliness or low wellbeing. The service helps individuals build confidence, develop social connections and reconnect with community life.

Mental Health | Condition Specific

Penumbra

Penumbra supports people who are feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or struggling with their mental health. Many of the team have lived experience, offering understanding, personalised support to help people improve their wellbeing and find a way forward.

Community Listening Service

The CCL Listening Service provides a confidential space for individuals facing challenges like ill-health, bereavement, relationship breakdowns, or unemployment. Appointments last 50 minutes and are face-to-face. To access the service, check with your GP or contact the Health Village for appointments.

Aberdeen Independent MS (AIMS)

Aberdeen Independent MS offers peer support and social connection for people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. The organisation provides opportunities to meet others with shared experience, build confidence, reduce isolation, and access one-to-one support and group activities.

Stroke Association

Stroke Association helps individuals rebuild their lives after a stroke by providing specialist support, funding research, and campaigning for optimal care. Our “Here For You” service offers weekly phone conversations with trained volunteers to enhance confidence and connection during recovery.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie provides emotional and practical support for people living with terminal illness and their families. Services include specialist nursing care and access to a national support line for information and guidance.

Aberdeen Action on Disability

Aberdeen Action on Disability (AAD) is a user-led organization established in 1992 to assist individuals with physical and sensory disabilities in Aberdeen. Managed by people with disabilities, AAD provides expert information, representation on disability issues, and raises awareness about related challenges.

Alcohol & Drugs Action

Alcohol & Drugs Action offers alcohol and drug support services in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire for individuals and families, featuring volunteer-led befriending groups and individual support available in person or by telephone.

Carers

Quarriers – Aberdeen Carers Support Service

Quarriers Aberdeen Carers Support Service provides information, advice and practical support to unpaid adult carers in Aberdeen. They work with carers to understand their caring role, help reduce isolation, connect to local groups and resources, and offer guidance on wellbeing, respite and training.

Other Support

Food Train – Meal Makers

Meal Makers connects volunteers who enjoy cooking with older neighbours in need of a weekly home-cooked meal and friendly chat, fostering community connections and support while providing freshly prepared meals.

VSA

VSA (Voluntary Service Aberdeen) offers a befriending service that connects trained volunteers with individuals facing isolation, enhancing their well-being and social connections. The charity provides tailored support across various age groups, including children, adults, and older people with additional needs.

Aberdeen Cyrenians

Aberdeen Cyrenians supports individuals experiencing homelessness or moving into settled accommodation. The organisation provides practical assistance and opportunities to build stability and community connection.

Royal British Legion Scotland

Royal British Legion Scotland provides advice, welfare support and social connection for veterans and their families across Scotland, helping individuals access practical and emotional support.