Volunteer & team training
Training that makes a real difference
We offer accredited training for volunteers and organisations working to reduce loneliness and isolation. Our programmes are grounded in lived experience, evidence-based practice, and a deep commitment to compassionate community care.
Our accreditations
We are proud to be a member of Befriending Networks, a registered accredited training provider through IPHM, and a registered organisation with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society. These accreditations reflect our commitment to quality, safety, and best practice in everything we do.
Befriending Networks — Member 2026
As a member of Befriending Networks, the UK's leading organisation for befriending services, we uphold the highest standards of befriending practice and are part of a national community of organisations committed to reducing loneliness.
IPHM Registered Accredited Training Provider
We are a registered accredited training provider with the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM), recognising the quality and professional standards of our courses. Membership number: IPHMNC16476.
Our Art of Befriending and Bring Laughter into Your Practice courses are both IPHM-accredited.
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society — Registered Organisation
We are a registered organisation with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), reflecting our commitment to ethical, professional, and evidence-based practice in counselling and psychotherapy support. Membership number: APLT8434.
Membership no: APLT8434
Why train with us?
Accredited & recognised
Our training is accredited by IPHM (membership no. IPHMNC16476) and delivered in line with Befriending Networks best practice standards.
Rooted in lived experience
Our trainers bring personal and professional experience of loneliness, befriending, and community care.
Practical and accessible
Training is designed to be engaging, practical, and accessible — suitable for volunteers of all backgrounds.
Evidence-based
Our content draws on the latest research in loneliness, social prescribing, and befriending effectiveness.
Flexible delivery
We offer in-person, online, and blended training options to suit your team or organisation.
Ongoing support
Training doesn't end in the room. We provide ongoing guidance and resources to support your practice.
Our training programmes
The Art of Befriending Workshop
For volunteers & professionals
An immersive workshop exploring the skills, values, and practice of befriending — covering active listening, building trust, maintaining boundaries, and creating meaningful connections with isolated individuals. New Healing Hubs befriending volunteers receive this workshop free as part of their induction, alongside additional internal training. Also available as a 3-hour workshop for external volunteers and professionals.
Bring Laughter into Your Practice
For professionals, teams & volunteers
An introduction to Laughter Yoga and the Laughter Yoga Leader training — exploring how laughter can be brought into your professional practice for team building, activities facilitation, and improving your own wellbeing. Based on the evidence-based practice of Laughter Yoga, this workshop is joyful, practical, and immediately applicable.
Level 2 Counselling & Coaching for Loneliness
For practitioners & Healing Hubs staff
A 6-week self-directed course exploring counselling and coaching approaches specifically applied to loneliness. Participants work through structured learning at their own pace with the guidance and support of a supervisor throughout. Designed for practitioners who want to deepen their understanding and skills in supporting people experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Book your place on Eventbrite
Our volunteer training sessions are listed and booked through Eventbrite. It's quick and easy — simply find the next available date, reserve your free place, and you'll receive all the joining details by email.
Can't find a date that works? Get in touch and we'll let you know when new sessions are added.
Interested in training for your team?
Whether you are setting up a new befriending service, upskilling your volunteers, or looking for CPD for your team, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch to discuss your needs.