Churches embrace telephone befriending tool 

A new telephone befriending tool which launched in lockdown is already being used by a number of churches around the country

Two’s Company is an initiative which aims to address loneliness experienced by many due to Covid-19 shielding, through providing regular telephone calls from members of local congregations. More than 60 enquiries have been received to date, with 18 churches having signed up to partner with Linking Lives, the Christian charity behind the initiative, to serve their communities in this way.

Two's Company launched in April. Jeremy Sharpe, National Director for Linking Lives, said, 'When it became clear that Covid-19 was going to have such a significant impact, we recognised that we needed to adapt our core processes, and also consider ways in which we could serve churches at this challenging time. ‘Two’s Company’, therefore, began to emerge as a way in which local churches could use their resources, local knowledge and contacts in a way which demonstrates the love of God in a very practical way to those most on the margins at this time.'

Through Two’s Company, churches receive training and tools to reach out in an effective and safe way to those most vulnerable at this time.

As a Two’s Company Coordinator from Bristol explained, 'One of the bonuses of doing things differently has been the opportunity to spend one to one time with people. The telephone contact has been invaluable, especially for those not able to access online information.'

There is no charge for accessing the package, although partner churches are invited to make a donation towards the costs of developing and running the service.

Linking Lives UK is still inviting churches to partner with them to provide this vital service to their communities. To find out more about how to do this, contact www.linkinglives.uk or email twoscompany@linkinglives.uk to request an introductory pack