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 2024 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.
“I get out in the community more regularly and have met some beautiful people”
Enhanced social participation is a key theme of our work, with 46% of survey participants attending Befriend-affiliated activities weekly.
“Discovering other people’s inner thoughts, feelings and hopes
makes it easier for me to deal with my inner self”
Community connection and inclusion has a positive impact on our confidence, courage and resilience
“14 years living in Perth and finally I have friends!”
90% of respondents agreed that they had made new friends since connecting into a Befriend-affliated group
“Having a reason to get up in the morning”
Grassroots community inclusion offers a preventive, protective and curative impact on our community wellbeing and mental health
“It has opened up my world to the possibilities and potential I hold
to be able to connect and improve my community around me”
Strong communities are built on the unique contributions of all people, from all backgrounds, abilities and walks of life.
“I have learnt to be more understanding of people who are different to me”
Shared experiences between people from diverse backgrounds influences attitudes towards inclusivity. Growing inclusive attitudes, in turn, grows inclusive behaviours
“I feel so much more able to be myself in social situations. I know that “I am enough”
90% of respondents felt they were comfortable being themselves at a Befriend-affiliated group, living true to our core value of authenticity
“I was at a real personal low when I first attended a Befriend event. I was welcomed and made friends. I then moved to hosting events and have not looked back since”
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 valued”
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.