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We are often asked how successful is friendsfirst?If you judge success by the number of marriages we've had, then we're very successful |
"Your service has been excellent - you have always answered my questions and request for assistance promptly and effectively." (Rose - Derby) |
Our staff: Past, present and associates:-
As members or enquirers to friendsfirst you'll have spoken to a number of people over the years. Further more there are others involved with us, who you won't have spoken to. The people invovlved with friendsfirst are as follows: Alan Bold - Membership Manager Claire Earle - Membership Manager Wayne Exton- Membership Manager Julia Fulukiya - Membership Manager Kay Lane - Membership Manager Patricia Gilliam - Membership Manager Charles Wright - head of Credit Control Stephane Vergnaud- head of training David Barlow - our illustrator Leslie Peat - press support Oliver Leggit - design Alan Johnson - consultancy |
The history and background of friendsfirst
friendsfirst was established in late 1999. Earlier that year Katharine, the founder, was part of an annual church weekend away (St. John's Church in Birmingham) where Elaine Storkey (theologian and sociologist) spoke powerfully about all types of single people and their needs in the church which were largely going unmet.
As Katharine gave Elaine's words more thought, and discussed it with friends and family, it became clear that many single people in churches don't have a lot of opportunity to mix with other single people apart from those they already know. Added to this are busy lives, long working hours, the perceived stigma of past broken relationships, or naturally diminishing circles of friends due to family commitments, changing circumstances or age. She wondered if there was more the church could do, so she spent a number of months talking to a cross section of vicars, parish priests, pastors and church leaders in the West Midlands about whether a service for single people would be welcomed. She was amazed at the positive response from them and how many said that they'd really welcome something practical they could do for single people as well as praying for them. It was clear that people didn't want a Christian dating service so much as a trusted friendship service where they could meet and make Christian friends.
"I support friendsfirst because it brings the necessary expertise and sensitivity to the potentially challenging area of people's lives – i.e. relationships. In my experience, relationships which are based on friendships enjoy a sound foundation whether or not they lead to romance and marriage." (Bishop Joe Aldred, Birmingham)
Alot of thought went into the organisations name and we finally decided on friendsfirst because above all else we believe friendship is at the heart of any relationship and relationships are at the heart of being human.
friendsfirst was launched in January 2000 and soon many people were responding to the first notices and adverts. It was clear this was going to be an important service. And it wasn't long before people started leaving the organisation because their lives had been changed. Then we really knew we were doing something important and worthwhile!
"I am writing to thank friendsfirst for bringing me into contact with a lovely lady. In a matter of 3 months we have become extremely fond of each other. We are looking forward to sharing the future together, which promises to give us both a 'new lease of life' and much happiness. Therefore, please suspend my membership. Thank you again for your efficient service in providing many interesting profiles and resulting correspondence. I have felt confident in recommending friendsfirst to someone else." (Gordon – Graphic Designer)
Since those early days, friendsfirst has gone from strength to strength, seeing thousands of people make new friends and special relationships, and celebrating many marriages along the way. Our staff numbers have grown to incorporate the organisation of events and the most important focus on customer service and dedicated support to each and every member.