Event Buddies
You never have to walk in alone.
We know that coming to your first event can feel really daunting and that's exactly why our event buddy scheme exists.
Event Buddies are trusted SPFC volunteers who help make your first event feel less scary or overwhelming.
If you would love to attend an event but feel nervous we can match you with an event buddy who can:
- Chat with you in the lead-up to the event
- Arrange to meet you outside of the venue
- Walk in with you
- Help you settle in and feel more comfortable
Whatever support you need we will always do our best to help.
Our goal is simple, everyone deserves to feel welcome, included and supported from the very first step.
You don't have to do this alone, we've got you.
If you feel that you would make a good event buddy and would like to sign up to be one please get in contact with us via either our Facebook or email address.
Our Event Buddies
Fiji Reddy
Derby
Fiji is a solo dad to CoCo and Fiji as well as a dog dad to our much loved SPFC pup Moki. He's a familiar face at many of our events and he is often described as the life and soul of the party. At events you'll often find that Fiji us up for a good laugh including the time he dressed up in full drag for our sleepover at soft play! Fiji is always welcoming, friendly and full of positive energy. He plays a big part in making others feel comfortable and included within the community.
Rachel Webb
Gloucester
Rachel is mum to three girls and a boy, two of her children have autism or waiting for assessment giving her a real understanding of the challenges many parents face. She has been part of SPFC since October and her first event was one she hosted. Through SPFC Rachel has built close friendships. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 Rachel made the decision to start saying yes to life, this is something that led her to SPFC and she hasn't looked back. She is looking forward to welcoming and supporting new members.
Helen Vipond
Bath
Helen is mum to Ruby who she co-parents with her ex-husband. She discovered SPFC in October 2025 and attended her very first event in Bristol that same month. After that event she immediately booked on to five more and then went on to create her own. Helen truly believes in the power of connection and is passionate about helping others find the same sense of belonging that she has found through SPFC. She now feels like she has one massive extended family.
Noe Tirsan
Derby
Noelia is originally from Spain and has been living in the UK for six years. She lives in Swadlincote and is a single mum to her three year old son Reyes. She works in a school and understands the challenges of raising a child on you own especially when you are away from your family support network and how isolating that can feel. She has volunteered as an event buddy because she values community and connection and would love to help make things feel a little easier for others.
Kirsty Harley-Lewis
Frodsham
Kirsty is mum to five children, Tyreece, Leighton, Noah, Wade and Blake. She works part time as a healthcare assistant at her local hospital. Through her own experiences with co-parenting and mental health Kirsty truly values connection and open conversation. She is open minded, a good listener and someone who enjoys supporting others. Kirsty feels passionate about the importance of community and being surrounded by kind like minded people.
Jon Elliot
Milton Keynes
Jon is a dad to six children plus two granddaughters. He has been a part of SPFC since day one and is one of our OG's who strongly believes in building a genuine support network for single parents. Jon is an absaloute co-parenting pro! He often attends events with two of his children Ethan and Elsie. Jon is friendly, outgoing and always up for a laugh, he's the kind of person who will go out of his way to help anyone feel welcome.
Dave Libbeter
Kent
Dave lives in Kent and is a retired detective, a terminal cancer survivor and a proud dad to five children aged between 8 and 21. He’s open about how much communities like this have meant to him sharing that without groups like SPFC he may not still be here today. Through the community he’s found genuine, lifelong friendships that helped him rediscover himself during a very difficult time. Dave’s now passionate about giving back whether that’s helping others take their first step into group life.
Sarah Anne Whitlock
Loughborugh
Sarah lives in Loughborough with her four children and proud grandma to four grandsons. She’s open about life’s challenges including surviving domestic abuse but is in a genuinely happy place now and has been single for over two years enjoying life and valuing her peace. Sarah credits communities like SPFC with helping her build confidence and friendships. She is known for her big laugh and love of the dance floor. She’s kind, supportive and a good listener.
Nikki Tomsett
Coventry
Nikki is a solo parent to her three older children Sophie, Alex and Becks and also a single parent to her youngest son Max. She understands first hand how isolating single parenting can feel especially without family support. When Nikki first attended an SPFC event she was extremely nervous but was immediately welcomed. SPFC has become her village and she is passionate about helping others feel just as supported and included.
Gordon Bowers
Cheltenham
Gordon is a single dad to two children. He is a Scout leader and a strong advocate for equality and diversity. Gordon is friendly and approachable. He enjoys a good laugh! He is often sharing how much Single Parents Friendship and Community UK means to him and really is a walking, talking advertisement for the group. He is always happy to make new members to feel welcome.
Andrew Doig
Derby
Andy is dad to three children whom he co-parents with his ex partner. He has two daughters aged 19 and 9 plus a son aged 15. Andy enjoys rock and metal music and proudly describes himself as a bit of a nerd. He understands how daunting first events can feel and believes it really helps to get to know someone beforehand so you're not walking in blind. He is keem to support others and help them feel more welcome within the community.
Would you like to be an Event Buddy?
Event Buddies are friendly volunteers who support members attending their first events.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Chatting before hand
- Meeting someone on arrival
- Be a friendly face at the event
If you'd like to help out with this please get in touch with us via our Contact Us page.