09/10/2026
How a Barnet resident overcame loneliness.
Ricky is a 31-year-old man from Barnet. When he self-referred to Barnet Friends, a telephone befriending service for lonely 18-55 year old adults in Barnet, he discussed with his befriender how his anxiety and ADHD diagnosis had contributed to feelings of loneliness.
Ricky had also struggled with insomnia for years, which sometimes contributed to him feeling too tired to leave his home.
Over time his Befriender was able to get him to open up on his childhood love of drawing and encouraged him to pursue this hobby again.
Ricky was signposted to Community Focus Inclusive Arts, a disability arts charity, where he took part in a fine arts course, reconnecting with his childhood hobby.
Whilst his ADHD diagnosis contributed to difficulty in planning and focusing on tasks, impacting his ability to carry out job searches and complete job applications; he signed up with the employment service, Shaw Trust.
Through Shaw Trust he met other residents with ADHD and began to develop new friendships. He was able to develop work-based skills through attending digital skills lessons and given on tips on planning his diary to make job applications less daunting.
Whilst Ricky still struggles with insomnia, it has improved considerably after his Befriender encouraged him to speak to his GP. Following the completion of his fine arts course, he maintained contact with some of the other group attendees, where they organised several cinema trips.
If you are struggling with loneliness, reach out to Barnet Friends today where you can speak to a friendly Befriender each week.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 8016 0016
