K107FM joins campaign to raise awareness about befriending

K107FM has announced its support for Befriending Week, the annual campaign celebrating befriending and highlighting the power of social connection in tackling loneliness and social isolation.

Befriending is a relationship supported by an organisation to enable meaningful connections. For 1:1 befriending, a volunteer befriender is matched with an individual and may provide telephone befriending, home visiting or take part in activities together within their community. Group befriending brings larger groups together to build social connections and reduce isolation.

During Befriending Week, communities across the UK and beyond come together online and in person to raise awareness of befriending, celebrate the contributions of volunteers and staff, and advocate for the role befriending services play in supporting individuals and strengthening communities.

This year, K107FM has teamed up with LINK Fife to support the campaign and help shine a spotlight on befriending opportunities and support available across Fife. Through a week of special features and interviews, the station will give local volunteers, service co-ordinators and people involved in befriending the opportunity to share their experiences, helping listeners understand the difference meaningful connections can make in people's lives. The approach reflects K107FM's commitment to giving local voices time and creating opportunities for community stories to be heard.

The 2026 Befriending Week theme,"Supporting each other through meaningful connections", recognises the positive impact that befriending has on both individuals and communities. Throughout the week, K107FM will broadcast a series of features and interviews with LINK Fife co-ordinators and volunteer befrienders, sharing stories about the service, the people it supports, and how listeners can become involved as volunteer befrienders in their local area.

The specially produced content will be aired throughout Befriending Week and made available for listen again and social media channels, helping to raise awareness of befriending and encouraging conversations around loneliness, wellbeing and community connection. Hear the content here: https://sites.autopod.xyz/show/15037

Dave Mac, Community Engagement and Volunteer Co-ordinator at K107FM, said:

"At K107FM, we're proud to be at the heart of Fife, giving local people and organisations the time and space to tell their stories. Befriending Week is a chance to highlight the important work LINK Fife delivers every day and the difference volunteers make through meaningful connections. By sharing these stories on-air, we hope more people will discover the support available, learn about opportunities to volunteer and feel more connected to their local community."

Cat Major, Communications Officer at campaign organiser Befriending Networks, said:

"In a time when the cost-of-living crisis is limiting people’s ability to take part in social activities, befriending can be a vital lifeline to help build meaningful connections and improve wellbeing. We’re delighted that Befriending Week can provide a platform to recognise the passion and dedication of befriending teams and share the impact of their work."

LINK Fife provides a befriending service for adults and young people who may be experiencing isolation, loneliness or challenges linked to their mental wellbeing. Through trusted, supportive relationships, the charity helps people build confidence, strengthen social connections and improve their quality of life.

The organisation works with adults aged 18 to 65 in East Fife and Levenmouth, as well as young people aged 12 to 18 in East Fife, Levenmouth, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Burntisland and Lochgelly, matching them with trained volunteer befrienders who offer friendship, encouragement and support. Through its work, LINK Fife aims to help people become more connected to their communities and better equipped to achieve their personal goals.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer befriender or accessing a befriending service, visit https://www.linkbefriending.org.uk/ or visit the Befriending Networks directory at Befriending Networks Directory 

Befriending Week takes place every year from 1 to 7 November. To find out more about the campaign and how to take part, visit Befriending Week.