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
Meet the team behind Social Links
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.