Working together to spark connected, thriving communities
Befriend works collaboratively with local residents, community organisations, businesses and government to influence sustainable change in local community life.
Our grassroots community building approach is unique and responsive to the individual pursuits and the collective needs of the people we seek to serve. No two community building projects are the same to us; some are nested within the context of a peak funding body, others are in partnership with other valued, mission-aligned partners or local government. But they do all have one thing in common; all of our grassroots work includes collaboration with members of the community from all walks of life; older Australians, people with and without disabilities, people experiencing mental ill-health, young people, families, neighbours.
Underpinning our diverse engagement methods is a robust, shared foundation of impact evaluation and program logic, outcomes for which are influenced by peak body research frameworks such as WACOSS, Inclusive Australia, Compendium of OECD wellbeing indicators. At the heart of all of our community building efforts is a guiding mission; to empower and journey with local residents as they seek to spark new relationships, step into community leadership roles, and thrive in their contributions to others.
Every year, Befriend distributes a survey online and in-person, to better understand the impact our grassroots community building activities are having on the people and communities we serve.
Read our 2023 Social Impact Report just below or click the button to download a copy.
A snapshot of responses
We’ve collated a number of responses from this years’ social impact survey, demonstrating the collective impact of Befriend’s work with community.
“Before, I’d never go out on my own, let alone speak… now, they can’t shut me up!”
This was further reinforced by 80% of respondents who agreed that they’re more confident since connecting with Befriend
“The group has restored some of my self-worth & willingness to try old & new challenges again”
Community connection and inclusion has a positive impact on our confidence, courage and resilience
“I am no longer feeling alone”
85% of respondents agreed that they had made new friends since connecting into a Befriend-affliated group
“I have started becoming more connected with myself and more stable with my mental health”
Grassroots community inclusion offers a preventive, protective and curative impact on our community wellbeing and mental health
““I am leaving the house more”
Over half of our respondents attend Befriend-affiliated groups fortnightly or weekly, adding an intentional rhythm to their social calendar
“Met some warm, wonderful people who have different life stages and life experiences from me”
Shared experiences between people from diverse backgrounds influences attitudes towards inclusivity. Growing inclusive attitudes, in turn, grows inclusive behaviours
“I have made new friends and feel more comfortable sharing my thoughts”
87% of respondents felt they were comfortable being themselves at a Befriend-affiliated group, living true to our core value of authenticity
“I’ve always had ideas about connecting with community & now I’m taking steps to connect with people, trying to make things happen”
Befriend activities and experiences offer a stepping stone for people to grow their social confidence, explore their ideas and contribute their unique gifts to others
“I feel that I have a role in my immediate community”
Connections develop when people are able to share their gifts and passions with others openly in a safe, warm community context
Work with us to create sustainable community impact
If you’re interested in learning more about how we might work together to spark a new community building project, please don’t hesitate to reach out to CEO Nick Maisey, on . We’d love to learn more about your organisation and what you hope to contribute to Perth’s inclusive communities.