What we do & how we do it!

The Friendship Project is a Warwickshire-wide charity that matches children and young people (who are in need, for a variety of reasons) with volunteers, for friendship and fun. The child may be caring for a sick parent or be limited to where they can go on holiday because of a disabled sibling or other family member. For some children, even playing in the park or going to the cinema are a rare treat. Having some time out from often difficult home situations really does improve the child’s self-esteem and self-worth. Our volunteers report that they too enjoy spending time with their Younger Friend knowing that they are really making a difference to a child’s life.

Feedback from our Older Friends

I feel so lucky, we are having the best time. She was the perfect match for me. I am so grateful to The Friendship Project.

I imagined that volunteering as an Older Friend might sometimes feel like a real effort, but our meetings are something that I really look forward to each week, and it feels that I actually get more out of the friendship than I put in. It’s two hours each week when I can forget about everything and just have fun.

If you would like the pleasure of giving a little something back in this world, then volunteering for a small charity is a no brainer. Investing a few hours of my time for the Friendship Project is a delight and reaps huge rewards.

She is a skilled swimmer with amazing speed.

The charity are incredible at what they do, matching you with a perfect Younger Friend. Seeing the difference such a small amount of time can make to a young person’s life is incredible and I’d recommend it to absolutely anyone1

Older Friend Application Process

start here

Child Referrals

start here

Feedback from our Younger Friends

He is so totally amazing and kind. I love biking with him and he is really enthusiastic and reliable.

I really like going out with my Older Friend because we have loads of fun and we go out on our bikes. He’s great.

I really like my Older Friend. We have so much fun together but she’s leaving and I will miss her. I hope I get another friend.

He is so good, he’s super kind and we get to go to lots of great places.

Number of active Friendships

North Warwickshire

Rugby

Stratford

Leamington / Warwick

News

Thank you to Bodies & Co for their £3,508 donation

In April 2026 we were selected as one of the 3 chosen charities for the Bodies & Co fashion show at The Royal Spa Centre, Leamington. £3,508 was raised for us on the night.  This amount will fully fund 114 trips for local vulnerable children.

With thanks to Stoneleigh Male Voice Choir for their £1000 donation

Earlier this month The Stoneleigh Male Voice Choir held their 25th Summer Serenade in the beautiful walled garden at Stoneleigh Abbey. The choir sang a selection of popular songs from shows and films. Guest Artistes Consortium Big Band also performed. £1000 was raised...

Small charity week – 22–29 June 2026

Small Charity Week is a national celebration of the vital role small charities play in communities across the UK. Our charity has supported over 1500 children over the last 40 years! https://www.smallcharityweek.org.uk/

Our Generous supporters!