Langworthy Cornerstone Association Launches Befriending Champions Programme
Langworthy Cornerstone Association (LCA) has launched its new Befriending Champions Programme, with referrals opening on Monday 2 February, to help reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing for residents across Salford.
The programme is funded through Wellbeing Matters, in partnership with Salford CVS and Salford Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) and offers one-to-one companionship through trained Volunteer Befrienders.
Speaking about the launch, an Ian Welch, Befriending Programme Manager said:
“At Langworthy Cornerstone Association, we believe that no one in our community should feel alone. The Befriending Champions Programme is about building genuine connections, supporting wellbeing, and helping people feel part of their community again.”
Participants are matched with a Volunteer Befriender for up to eight weeks, with support including informal coffee meet-ups and attending local groups together. All volunteers are fully trained, DBS-checked, and supported by a dedicated Befriending Programme Manager.
Ahead of the launch, LCA hosted a Wellbeing Matters Community Connectors Launch Day on Thursday 29 January, bringing together Community Connectors, Befrienders, and the Programme Manager.
Reflecting on the event, Emma Eastwood ( Development Worker, Wellbeing Matters, Salford) added:
“’This morning’s event provided the perfect space for our Wellbeing Matters team to connect and learn about the befriending programme. It was fantastic to meet the volunteer befrienders, find out how the programme will work and share enthusiasm for how this will help people within our local community.”
Referrals to the Befriending Champions Programme can be made via self-referral or professional referral from Monday 2 February.
Visit the page to learn more: Befriending Champions Programme – Langworthy Cornerstone
For more information, please contact:
Ian Welch, Befriending Programme Lead
📞 0161 213 1921 | 07720 870078
📧 Ian.welch@langworthycornerstone.co.uk