Family Action - Friendship Works

Friendship Works was established in 1977, and operates as a distinct service within the national charity Family Action. 

We improve the emotional well-being and life chances of children, and young adult care leavers, who have had a difficult start to life.  We provide the vital support these young people need to build resilience for the future, by matching them with volunteer mentors who give one-to-one support for at least two years.

Our mentors are ordinary people doing an extraordinary thing.

Mentors give a few hours of their time most weekends, to bring fun and friendship into the life of a child who is feeling lonely and isolated. Through weekly outings, they build a safe, stable friendship with their mentee. Over time, mentors become someone a young person can turn to for support, who they know is there for them when they need someone to listen.

Whatever a young person's particular circumstances, regular contact with a mentor provides the extra support and friendship they need to help them manage everyday life, explore new interests, have fun, develop life-skills and develop the resilience they need to cope with adversity and lead a fulfilling adult life.