A friendship that will go the distance

Our second #BefriendingWeek spotlight celebrates the friendship between Arlene and Eve. 

Eve had recently moved from the US to the UK for her studies - a step that left her navigating a new country on her own. Meanwhile, a stroke had left Arlene homebound, feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected from the outside world. 

Both were looking for connection - someone to talk to, laugh with, and share life’s ups and downs. Through befriending, they found each other. 

From the start, their conversations flowed effortlessly. They talked about everything - family, personal experiences, and even geopolitics. “We had such a good laugh together,” Arlene shared. “I haven’t laughed like that in ages!” 

Eve became part of Arlene’s life, meeting her mother and all 4 of her children. When Arlene’s mum died, Eve was there: “She gave me loads of support and advice. She knew my mother. It meant a lot.” 

Their friendship helped both women feel more connected - Eve to her new community, and Arlene to the world beyond her home. It’s an example of how befriending can bring people together, no matter their circumstances.