Building Connections is an online service for young people up to the age of 19, empowering them to find a way through loneliness.
Young people work with a trained befriender, who guides them and champions them each step of the way. Building Connections gives young people tools that can help them build their confidence and better equip them to manage loneliness.
Young people work through the online Building Connections programme over 11 weeks, with the support of a trained befriender.
"Young people can use this online service to reflect on what is and isn't working for them in terms of finding a way through loneliness. Working with a befriender means we're their champions for the duration of the programme. Empowering them to find the tools they need to tackle loneliness."
Michelle, Building Connections Befriender
The Building Connections programme has seven stages.
Building Connections is an online service. Young people will need an internet connection and an email address. They should also have access to a quiet and private space to attend sessions with their befriender.
If you know a young person who would benefit from this service, you can make a referral.
Building Connections is for young people up to the age of 19 at the time of referral, who are experiencing loneliness.
There are many reasons a young person may experience loneliness. When you make a referral, we assess whether Building Connections provides the support the young person needs.
This list isn’t exhaustive and we review each referral individually.
The more information you can give us, including detail about any additional needs the young person has, the better we will be able to assess whether the service is suitable. If you have any questions, email us: buildingconnections@nspcc.org.uk.
Speak to the young person and, if appropriate, their parent or carer about the Building Connections service to establish their willingness to engage in 11 weeks of text-based, online sessions.
You can share the leaflet and video on the resources tab so they can learn more about the service.
If the young person is under 18 and living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland or under 16 and living in Scotland, request consent from the young person and their parent or carer by asking them to fill in this form together:
Parent or carer and young person consent to service and data privacy agreement
If the young person is over 18 and living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland or over 16 and living in Scotland, you only need consent from the young person. Ask them to fill in this form:
Young person consent to service and data privacy agreement
Once you have received an email with a unique reference number, fill in the request for service form.
The information provided on the form will be used to assess the suitability of Building Connections for the young person, so it is important that you provide as much detailed information as possible in all fields to allow us to arrive at a quick and accurate decision.
Complete request for service form
When we receive your referral, we will assess whether Building Connections is suitable for the young person. We will let you know our decision within seven working days.
If Building Connections is suitable, we will email you about the next steps and how the young person will be able to book their sessions.
If other support would be more appropriate, we will contact you directly to discuss this.
If you have any questions, please contact the Building Connections team on buildingconnections@nspcc.org.uk.
We have created resources to help you support children and young people, and to learn more about the service.
> Download posters for adults (PDF)
> Download poster for young people (PDF)
> Download leaflet for young people (PDF)
> Watch our video for young people
Children and young people can contact Childline for confidential advice and support. Calls to 0800 1111 are free and children can also get support and advice via the Childline website.
Guidance on how to prepare for having difficult conversations with children and young people and what you need to keep in mind when discussing sensitive topics.
Tips, information and resources to help you promote children and young people’s mental health throughout their childhood.
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