A Brief History

The Befrienders Service was started in 1982 by the Ministry of Community Development as a pilot project in Tiong Bahru.

In 1994, in line with the Government's 'Many Helping Hands' approach, the Ministry decided to hand over the Befriender Service to a voluntary welfare organization. The Lions were selected and the Lions Befrienders Service Association of Singapore North, Serangoon Gardens and Stamford was registered to take over the programme.

The Lions Befrienders is entrusted with the recruitment, training of and support for volunteers and the introduction of new programmes and services to meet the needs of the aged.

The Befriender Programme

Through a group of about 800 volunteers called Befriendees, the programme seeks to befriend the lonely elderly called Befriendees, currently numbering about 1600. The Befrienders

• make regular visits to the homes of the Befriendees to listen and talk to them
• give friendly advice when sought
• help in simple household chores and running errands
• take Befriendees for walks and outings occasionally
• act as a point of contact in times of need

Be a Befriender!

Call the toll-free telephone 1800-375-8600 or send us an email for more information on how to be a Lions Befriender.