Rose and Sarah met through Age UK
Rose wanted someone to chat and have a cuppa with, so she signed up for our befriending service. "It's the best thing that I could have ever done," she says.
Befriending services
At Age UK, one of the ways we try to combat loneliness in later life is through our befriending services. We offer 2 different types:
Call in Time telephone befriending
Call in Time is a national service where a volunteer befriender will phone an older person at an agreed time for a chat.
The older person is matched with a befriender who has similar interests, who will provide friendly conversation and companionship on a regular basis over a long period of time.
Face-to-face befriending
Befriending services are available at many local Age UKs. They will often involve a volunteer befriender visiting an older person in their home, perhaps for a cup of tea and a chat, or accompanying them to an activity (such as a trip to a cafe or the theatre). In some cases, a volunteer may accompany the older person to occasional hospital or doctor's appointments.
Need some advice?
The Age UK Advice Line is a free, confidential, national phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals, which is open 365 days a year (8am-7pm). If you're feeling lonely or need some practical help and support, please call us on 0800 678 1602.