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
Before making a referral to Building Connections you must get the young person’s consent.
Parents or carers must also give their consent if the young person is:
We have created a template email for you to send to young people and, where relevant, their parent or carer. This contains links to the online consent form.
Download email text for parents, carers and young people
You will receive an email notification when the consent form has been completed. This will contain a unique reference number which you'll need to complete the request for service form.
When you have received the relevant consent, you should complete the Request for service form. The information you give helps us assess the suitability of Building Connections for the young person.
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)
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