A Year of Connection: Carers Support Celebrates Impact with St Monica’s Trust 

11th August 2025

We’re delighted to share the outcomes of a powerful year of delivery for our Befriending and Connection Service, supported by funding from St Monica’s Trust between April 2024 and March 2025. 

This funding enabled us to expand and strengthen a service that was already making a difference — and continues to do so today. Designed to reduce isolation and loneliness among older carers in South Gloucestershire, the service offers regular one-to-one calls with trained volunteers, peer support opportunities, and signposting to local resources. 

During the funded year, we received 63 referrals and supported 46 carers. The outcomes speak for themselves: 

• 31.5% increase in carers feeling more resilient and better able to cope. 
• 51.2% increase in carers feeling good about themselves. 
• 36.7% increase in carers feeling they had the connections they wanted. 
• 54.2% increase in carers engaging with people who share their interests. 

These figures reflect the power of compassionate listening, shared experience, and practical encouragement. 

We were thrilled to receive this feedback from St Monica’s Trust in response to our end-of-grant report: 

“Thank you so much for sharing your end of grant report with us – it was fantastic! It clearly demonstrated the impact of your work, and we really appreciate the time and effort you put into compiling it.” 

We’re proud that our work has been recognised in this way and grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate the value of connection and support for carers. 

The Befriending and Connection Service continues beyond the funded year, informed by what we’ve learned and driven by the voices of carers themselves. We remain committed to reducing isolation, building resilience, and helping carers feel more connected — to others and to themselves. 

To everyone who took part — carers, volunteers, staff, and funders — thank you. Your contribution has helped create something truly meaningful.