Mike Niles had a high paying job in London, but felt that something was missing from his life. He gave up his lucrative position to start a charity, b:Friend, to help to eliminate loneliness among isolated elders. In Niles' home town of Doncaster, a quarter of its elderly population is classified as "chronically lonely" by Age UK. An idea that took root after he visited an elderly neighbor who was lonely has led to what he calls the best job he has ever had. The companionship among the befrienders and their older neighbors show the true meaning of community.

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  • Nick Heap

    Mikes enthusiasm and the joy he releases.

  • Carmel Joyce

    Wow..You are a jewel dearest MIKE. Good on you and blessings upon you too. I lost my husband 4 years ago to cancer and life is very different without him !!! And lonely too. Fortunatley i am very active and work with a lady that has Alzheimers as i love contact with people myself. Carmel

  • Kristin Pedemonti

    Thank you Mike for noticing and then doing something to contribute and create friendships and then a charity to help even more. Inspiring indeed!♡ Would love this to be replicated in more places too!♡ hug. PS. I never leave home without my Free Hugs sign to say a hug with anyone who needs some heart and connection ♡

  • Robert Iles Todd

    The French have an expression; 'Joy of Life'. This video expresses; 'The Joy of Love'. Love is the common element in all the Joy of Life, Love, Humanity, and Nature. Love is not bounded by philosophy, religion, sex, orientation or other circumstances. Kudos to Mike Niles for his noble and worthy endeavor!!!

  • Kelsey W.

    What a lovely project! There's nothing that I love more than visiting with my (last remaining) grandma and spending time with her. I'm going to see if there are any similar programs near where I live to meet some new lifelong, elder friends!

  • Seema Kamble

    The Joy and Purpose you find in doing what you say is your calling! Thank you Mike for being a reminder to find the missing checkbox and do what you love! All the love & strength your way :)

  • NAZRUL ISLAM

    I M FROM BANGLADESH, AGED ON 62+, POST GRADUATE, WAS GOVT OFFICIAL, MY LATE WIFE WAS TEACHER, NOW I M FEELING SO LONELY, BUT TRY TO DO SOMETHING FOR OTHER, IF I GET AID, I WILL TRY TO ESTABLISH A FOUNDATION BY WHICH THE POOR CLASSES MAY BE HELPED, OTHER SIDE I WILL GET TO INVOLVED MYSELF WITH MANKIND ORIENTED WORKS.

  • Abha

    I live in Alton, Hampshire. Can I help here in any way. Please let know

  • ray woodford

    Please let me know how I can help, or start the same kind of program in the US? Thanks, Ray

  • Evelien

    heartwarming! Beautiful to see how one man makes a difference. loved the bollywood doing the dishes thing at the end too!

  • Benthe

    Life is full of love - if you reach out.

  • Suzanne Rose

    The sheer kindness of one fellow and the difference he has made to so many lonely people

  • Cindy

    For this guy to even notice the loneliness, he is special beyond words. But to then DO something innovative and enrich so many lives makes him a saint. 😍

  • Paul Mayer

    Absolutely inspired! Good for Mike. I am going to show this to my Leadership Class at Hanford High School in Richland, Washington.

  • Page 1

  • Read about the charity b;Friend
  • Discover another moving example of simple acts of kindness making a difference in the lives of vulnerable elders.
  • Who do you know who is lonely? What can you do today to brighten that person's life?

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