For our clients
What to expect from The Healing Hubs
Whether you are joining us for telephone befriending or coming along to one of our face-to-face services, we want you to feel safe, welcome, and fully informed from the very start.
Telephone befriending
A warm welcome to our telephone befriending service
Welcome to The Healing Hubs telephone befriending service. We are so glad you are here. This service exists because we believe that no one should feel alone — and we are committed to walking alongside you with kindness, consistency, and genuine care. Your volunteer befriender has been carefully selected, trained, and supported by our team. They are here simply to be a friendly voice at the end of the phone — someone who listens, who cares, and who looks forward to speaking with you each week.
Our wellbeing questions
At the beginning of your time with us, and again at the end of your 12 weeks, we will ask you five short questions. These help us understand how you are feeling and whether the service has been supportive for you. There are no right or wrong answers — we simply want to make sure we are making a positive difference.
- 1Overall, how satisfied are you with your life nowadays?
- 2Overall, to what extent do you feel the things you do in your life are worthwhile?
- 3Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday?
- 4Overall, how anxious did you feel yesterday?
- 5How often do you feel lonely?
Your answers are completely confidential and are used only to help us improve our service and report to our funders on the difference we are making.
Your 12-week journey
Our telephone befriending service is structured around a 12-week programme. Each week, your volunteer will call you at an agreed time for a friendly conversation. Over the course of the 12 weeks, you will have the opportunity to talk about the things that matter to you — your life, your interests, your memories, and your hopes.
- A regular weekly phone call at a time that suits you
- A consistent volunteer who gets to know you over time
- Conversations that are led by you — there is no agenda
- A warm, non-judgmental space to talk about whatever is on your mind
- Support from our team if you ever have any concerns or questions
At the end of your 12 weeks, we will check in with you about how you have found the service and discuss what happens next. Many people continue with the service beyond 12 weeks — we will always do our best to support you for as long as it is helpful.
A note on professional boundaries
Our volunteers are warm, caring people — but they are also trained to maintain appropriate professional boundaries. This means that while your befriender will be a consistent and caring presence, they are not able to visit you in person, provide personal care, or take on the role of a carer or emergency contact. If you are ever in crisis, please contact your GP, call 999, or reach the Samaritans on 116 123.
Face-to-face services
Our Meeting Places, Befriending Brunch sessions, and community events are warm, welcoming spaces where everyone belongs. Here is what you can expect when you come along.
Kindness
Every person who walks through our door is greeted with genuine warmth. Our staff and volunteers are here because they care — and that shows in everything they do.
Understanding
We know that coming somewhere new can feel daunting. We will never rush you, judge you, or make you feel like you have to be anything other than yourself.
Conversation
Good conversation is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you want to chat about your week, share a memory, or simply sit quietly with others nearby — that is absolutely fine.
Activities
Our sessions include a range of activities such as seated exercise, laughter yoga, Know Your Numbers blood pressure monitoring, crafts, and more. You are never obliged to join in — but we hope you will!
Support
Our team is trained to notice if someone is struggling and to offer appropriate support. We work closely with NHS services, social prescribers, and other community organisations to make sure you can access the right help if you need it.
Professional boundaries
Our staff and volunteers are caring professionals. They are here to support you within the context of our services — they are not able to provide personal care, act as emergency contacts, or take on responsibilities outside of their role. This keeps everyone safe and ensures the quality of our service.
Ready to come along?
You do not need a referral to attend our face-to-face services. Simply get in touch and we will let you know when and where to come.