Research Snapshot

Relationships Matter: An Evaluation of Impact and Learning

Objective

To explore the impact of Time Together Teesdale's volunteer companionship scheme on loneliness, wellbeing, confidence, and community connection, and to identify learning for the future development of the service.

Background

Time Together Teesdale was established in 2024 to support people experiencing social isolation and loneliness in rural Teesdale.

The area faces challenges including an ageing population, geographic isolation, and limited transport links.

The project matches trained volunteers with individuals (befriendees) seeking companionship through regular visits and shared activities.

Since its launch, the scheme has received over 110 referrals, recruited more than 45 volunteers, and developed into an important community resource.

Research Methods

This evaluation drew on:

  • 24 semi-structured interviews with:

    • 3 stakeholders

    • 13 volunteers

    • 8 befriendees

  • 26 paper surveys completed by:

    • 18 befriendees

    • 8 volunteers

A thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and recurring ideas.

Survey responses were analysed using a 1 to 5 rating scale to assess satisfaction, wellbeing, relationships, confidence, and perceived impact.

Key Insights

Loneliness and social isolation remain significant challenges within rural communities.

1

Creativity provides a powerful route into heritage, identity and community connection.

2

Volunteer companionship acts as a preventative, relationship-based intervention that promotes wellbeing and resilience.

Growing demand highlights the need for additional volunteers and alternative support options, including telephone and digital companionship.

Relationships built through companionship are often mutually rewarding for both volunteers and befriendees.

Findings

Looking for Connection

Befriendees and volunteers often became involved following bereavement, retirement, relocation, reduced mobility, or changes in social networks. Regular companionship helped people feel less isolated, more connected, and more confident.

Relationships that Matter

Befriendees and volunteers described relationships as genuine, meaningful, and mutually beneficial. Participants reported increased friendship, enjoyment, purpose, confidence, and wellbeing.

Making Relationships Possible

Successful companionships were supported by careful matching, clear expectations, appropriate boundaries, training, and ongoing support from the project coordinator.

Survey findings highlights:

Survey findings showed:

  • Average satisfaction score: 4.66/5

  • Overall satisfaction: 100% rated 5/5

  • High ratings for companionship, reliability, trust, and enjoyment

  • Positive impacts on loneliness, wellbeing, and social connection

Volunteers reported feeling valued, supported, and confident that they were making a meaningful difference.

Conclusion

The clearest message from this evaluation is simple: relationships matter.

Time Together Teesdale creates opportunities for genuine, two-way relationships that reduce loneliness, build confidence, provide purpose, and strengthen community connections.

The evidence demonstrates that volunteer companionship can make a significant positive difference to the lives of both befriendees and volunteers.

Continued investment in relationship-based support has the potential to improve wellbeing, strengthen community resilience, and address loneliness across rural Teesdale.

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