That the Parliament recognises Befriending Week, which takes place from 1 to 7 November 2024, marking its 12th year; acknowledges what it sees as the vital role played by befriending networks in supporting befriending organisations across the UK and beyond, promoting high-quality befriending in communities; celebrates the positive impact that befriending has in reducing loneliness and social isolation by fostering meaningful and supportive relationships; commends the dedication of volunteer befrienders; understands that their contributions have amounted to 1.3 million volunteer hours across the UK in 2024; notes the reported challenges faced by befriending organisations, including the need for more volunteer befrienders to meet the increasing demand for services, and expresses gratitude for what it sees as the transformative difference that befriending makes to the lives of individuals every day.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Miles Briggs, Ariane Burgess, Alexander Burnett, Jackson Carlaw, Bob Doris, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Pam Gosal, Christine Grahame, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Douglas Lumsden, Fulton MacGregor, Gillian Mackay, Ben Macpherson, Ruth Maguire, John Mason, Liam McArthur, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Audrey Nicoll, Douglas Ross, Alexander Stewart, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Martin Whitfield, Brian Whittle