Peter and Neha: Befriending Besties

Peter, Zimbabwean-born and Oxford graduate Neha share a weekly befriending visit at a local coffeeshop. Peter listens to Neha’s adventures. “She’s always on the go—jetting off here and there. I love hearing about her travels; it reminds me of my own.” Throughout his life Peter travelled a lot with work, he jokes, “I got a cold in Cairo, a chill in Bombay and a freeze in Istanbul!” 

Beyond travel, they share a passion for food, cooking and gardening. “We swap seeds and herbs—you gave me the lettuce sprouts, and I gave you the cake daisies,” Peter recalls. Her presence offers consistency in his life. “It’s wonderful. I go all week without talking to anyone. Now, I have someone to chat with regularly.” 

Peter says, “I see the future in the younger generation”. Their intergenerational friendship, bridges experience and enriches both their lives. “We have a laugh and bounce off each other. It’s amazing to meet someone at my stage in life.” 

Find out how to get involved

If you would like to become a volunteer befriender, like Neha, find out how you can get involved below.

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