About us
Who We Are
Social Links was founded in 2024. We’re people from inside the homelessness sector who saw a real gap—and decided to do something about it. No one takes a wage; we do this because it makes a difference.
We’ve kept things deliberately simple: no CEO, no flashy titles or hierarchy. Just a flat structure where everyone pitches in. That’s how we believe change happens.
At the heart of what we do is a fresh approach to befriending. We focus on genuine, human connections and take time to carefully match and support each befriender. Our work is embedded in homeless services, where we believe tackling social isolation can make a big difference.
Because when connections are made with care, they can change lives.
Why We Do It
Working in homelessness services, we’ve seen first-hand the gap: too many people feel disconnected and isolated (despite some really good services). There's limited space for mutual relationships without a secondary agenda, such as getting someone to an appointment or addressing a support issue.
Social Links was born from that need.
In the NHS, as well as in older people’s services and prisons, befriending has existed for years. We’re bringing it to the homelessness sector.
We know that people who’ve experienced homelessness often carry incredible stories, resilience, and perspectives. We want to help the wider public connect with that.
How We Work
We call our volunteers "visitors" and connect them to people currently accessing homeless services in Westminster (for now…).
Our role is simple: to create space for human connection. Visitors are not there to provide advice or work to address support needs—that’s the role of keyworkers and professionals. Instead, we offer something different but equally important: companionship, conversation and consistency.
Our only goal is to reduce social isolation by giving people the chance to form healthy, meaningful relationships within the safe boundaries of befriending. No pressure. No expectations. Just connection and community—because that, in itself, can be life-changing.
Our volunteers receive a structured, personalised induction and training package, along with intensive ongoing support and supervision.
This is just the beginning. So Get Involved!
Our Team
Andy began working in the homeless sector as a night worker at a residential homeless service several years ago. He went on to work in complex needs services before helping set up and manage one of the first London GLA pilots of the innovative housing model "Housing First". For many years, he managed different homeless services before becoming the Head of Quality role for a national homeless charity. Andy co-founded Social Links in 2024 with his friend Dave, inspired by the need for a service to address social isolation in the homeless sector.
Andy McCarthy (He/Him)
Cofounder
Megan has worked in the homeless sector since 2020, following several years of working in adult social care. Every role she has held since 2016 has entailed safeguarding responsibilities, providing her with direct insight into the impact of loneliness and isolation. She is currently the Designated Safeguarding Lead for a national homeless charity working to end the housing emergency. Bringing both client-facing and strategic safeguarding experience, Megan joined Social Links to help ensure the highest standards of safety and support for everyone the charity works with.
Megan Walsh (She/Her)
Trustee / Safeguarding Lead
Dave began working in the homeless sector in 2009, assuming a range of roles in complex needs hostels. Here, he developed a strong interest in health and homelessness. Later in 2018, he joined a peer-led homeless health charity as a Care Navigator, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in addressing their health needs through volunteer-led services. Currently, Dave works at a specialist homeless GP practice in London as a Health Pathway Navigator. Feeling there was space to offer a service centred on connection, he co-founded Social Links in 2024 with his friend Andy.
David Woodley (He/Him)
Cofounder
Alex began working in the homeless sector as a Project Worker at a complex needs service. During this time, he led several client involvement initiatives and witnessed firsthand the vital role that social connection and a sense of belonging play in recovery. He is currently the Quality, Safeguarding and Complaints Manager for a national homelessness charity.
Alex Kyriacou (He/Him)
Trustee
Aly began working in homeless hostels in West London in 2001. In 2012, they played a key role in launching the Greater London Authority’s Westminster Housing First pilot – an innovative approach that supported some of Westminster’s most entrenched rough sleepers to move directly from the street into their own homes, with intensive wrap-around support. They later went on to manage a Housing First service commissioned by Camden Council – one of the longest-running Housing First schemes in the country! Through their extensive experience Aly has witnessed firsthand the power of bringing people in homeless services and the wider community together, eventually leading them to join Social Links.
Aly Davies (They/Them)
Trustee
Get Involved
Be part of something life-changing
Volunteers are the heart of our mission to support individuals experiencing homelessness. By giving just a little of your time, skills and sharing your curiosity about someone else's interests, you can make a meaningful difference to their life.
All of our volunteering opportunities are in-person and located in the borough of Westminster.
As a volunteer, you’ll receive...
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A full induction and comprehensive training.
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Ongoing support from a dedicated Volunteer Supervisor, including regular check-ins every 4–6 weeks.
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Prepaid expenses to cover the cost of volunteering.
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A carefully considered, personalised befriending match with someone living in a homeless service.
We ask our volunteers to...
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Commit to at least 90 minutes of in-person volunteering each week, within the borough of Westminster.
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Commit to a minimum of 3 months of volunteering.
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Appreciate that we take care and time with our recruitment, ensuring thoughtful and appropriate matches for everyone involved, giving both our volunteers and the people we support the best possible experience.
Want to join the community and Get Involved?
If you are interested, please complete the brief contact form. We will get in touch within 48 hours with more detail about the application process.