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Building Connections

Building Connections is an online text befriending service for young people aged 9 to 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.

We are currently not accepting new referrals to this service.

If you are worried about a child or young person please contact the NSPCC Helpline.

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.

If you are working with a young person who is already enrolled in the service you can email us BuildingConnections@nspcc.org.uk.

Helping young people tackle loneliness

Young people work through the online Building Connections programme over 11 weekly sessions, 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

How it works

The Building Connections programme has seven stages.

  1. Introductions
    The young person and befriender get to know each other
  2. I am
    Together they look at the young person's world, their feelings, vulnerabilities and strengths.
  3. I have
    They identify support and resources available to the young person.
  4. I want and deserve
    They explore what the young person feels they're missing and what they imagine is possible.
  5. I can / I will
    With support, the young person takes concrete steps to overcome feelings of loneliness.
  6. Reflecting on learning, creating a plan and managing setbacks
    The young person is supported to develop a plan for the next six to nine months.
  7. Endings
    They celebrate the work that's been done and the progress they've made.

We are currently not accepting new referrals to this service.

If you ware worried about a child or young person please contact the NSPCC Helpline.

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.

If you are working with a young person who is already enrolled in the service you can email us BuildingConnections@nspcc.org.uk.

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