Will You Be My Friend?

BBC One

We all know what it feels like to try and make a friend. Whether it’s an awkward hello, turning up to a party alone, or telling a joke that doesn't quite land, the pursuit of friendship isn't always easy.

Now imagine navigating all of that as a little kid.

Will You Be My Friend? explores the world of friendship through children - aged 5 to 8 - who are struggling socially. Some are shy, some feel like they don’t fit in, others simply haven’t found “their tribe” yet. They want to make a friend - but don’t know where to start.

Enter The Friendship Centre. Here, a team of psychologists help children build the confidence and social skills to form real, lasting connections with other kids. Each child is then sensitively matched on a play date with a potential new friend from their local area. 

Will You Be My Friend is produced for the BBC by Five Mile Films

Will You Be My Friend logo

To apply

Apply online

Your child must be aged 5–8 between 20 July and 23 August 2026.

Fill in the online application form

Closing date:

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