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. Our method of evaluation is more than data collection – it’s covaluation: a community-building mindset that reflects our culture and values. It’s a shared, relationship-rooted process where we connect, reflect, and make meaning together. Covaluation invites personal reflection, honours self-determination, and opens space for possibilities to emerge. It listens to community voices in ways that strengthen relationships and tend to the lifeforce of community spirit.
Read our 2025 Social Impact Report just below or click the button to download a copy.
A snapshot of responses
This year’s survey ran from 1 – 31 May 2025, gathering 523 responses from across Greater Perth, including local hubs in Kwinana, Wanneroo, Armadale, lower Swan, Karawara, Belmont, Mandurah and Vincent. Respondents reflected a rich diversity of age, culture, experience, and identity. Below is a small snapshot of data and responses.
“My mental health has been helped by having a reason to get out of the house.”
Many survey responses reinforce wider research that social inclusion, meaningful connections, and supportive relationships act as protective factors for mental health
“I made more friends and love being a part of a family.”
Many respondents described a strong and deeply rooted sense of belonging and a growing sense of acceptance for themselves
“Having moved to a new state of Australia it has really expedited my introduction into a community… instead of searching for years to find people it has come quite quickly.”
88% of respondents agreed that they had made new friends since connecting into a Befriend community experience
“I think about others more and realise I may not be perfect, but it’s OK just being me.”
Befriend community experiences provide a supportive environment where people can build self-worth and grow personal acceptance
“I can feel lost some days, hard to fill in time, but look forward to my groups on Mon, Tues, Wed and Fridays.”
Many reflections point to the effectiveness of the Network in offering a steady anchor for people as they begin to shape their connected community lives.
“[I am] understanding people better.”
Shared experiences between people from diverse backgrounds influences attitudes towards inclusivity. Growing inclusive attitudes, in turn, grows inclusive behaviours
“I know I have things to contribute to others.”
71% of respondents agreed that they felt they were making a valuable contribution to the community, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of community spirit
“[Befriend] reinforces my value system about people and communities, that people from all backgrounds should live and associate in harmony and with fellowship.”
Befriend activities and experiences encourage more inclusive attitudes, empathy, and pro-social behaviours, enabling participants to appreciate difference, support others, and feel confident engaging in diverse social spaces
“Learning new skills that have become a hobby I enjoy. Connecting with lovely people who raise my spirits.”
For many respondents, participation in the Befriend Network has opened the door to learning new skills and (re)discovering forgotten hobbies, all while in the company of others
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.