James Wild, MP for North West Norfolk has chosen West Norfolk Befriending to be one of the three local West Norfolk charities he raises money for when he runs the London Marathon on Sunday October 2nd 2022.

James previously ran the Marathon in 2021 and says “After last year’s race I said I wouldn’t run the marathon again but the opportunity to raise funds to support brilliant local charities was too good to pass up. During training sessions and on race day, the motivation of helping charities supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse, tackling loneliness, and helping deaf and hard of hearing people will drive me on“

James was the fastest English MP to run the Marathon in 2021, and is aiming to complete the course in 3 hours 30 minutes at his second attempt.

West Norfolk Befriending’s CEO Pippa May says “West Norfolk Befriending is delighted that James has chosen to support them. It will mean that we can work with more isolated older people in West Norfolk. West Norfolk Befriending are particularly pleased to be chosen, as this year they are celebrating 20 years of working with isolated older people and their carers in West Norfolk.“

We wish James a safe and speedy run, and thank him for his generous support.

James is also raising money for West Norfolk Deaf Association and Pandora Project, who help women and children affected by domestic abuse.

All at West Norfolk Befriending were saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and send our sincere condolences to the members of the Royal Family.

West Norfolk Befriending staff, volunteers and clients met Her Majesty the Queen at Sandringham Visitor Centre on three occasions over the years, and in January 2022, three representatives from our organisation were invited to a small gathering at Sandringham House. It was always a pleasure to be around her, she had a smile for everyone and a wonderful sense of humour. She will be sadly missed.

West Norfolk Befriending is delighted to announce that it was awarded the Befriending Networks – Quality In Befriending mark.

West Norfolk Befriending (WNB) delivers a befriending service to isolated older people and their family carers in person or by telephone across West Norfolk. It is a small local charity supporting the community of West Norfolk.

To gain the Quality In Befriending award, WNB had to be able to demonstrate that it satisfactorily meets the requirements of 61 quality indicators. These cover 7 general areas of practice:

1) the way in which the service is organised, funded and promoted;

2) its policies and procedures;

3) the management of staff;

4) how the service is monitored and evaluated;

5) the clients’ journey;

6) the befrienders’ journey; and

7) the ways in which the befriending relationship is prepared and supported from matching to ending.

Chief Executive Pippa May said “This is an important achievement that confirms the quality of service that West Norfolk Befriending consistently is able to offer.”

“The Board of Trustees was extremely pleased to learn of the award of this prestigious quality mark – not only does it recognise the effectiveness and quality of the service provided by West Norfolk Befriending, it also reflects the effort, support and dedication of all our volunteers and staff.” Alan Hayes, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

WNB has a consistent record of holding a quality mark for the last 14 years.