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.
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Get a free weekly friendship call. We'll match you with one of our volunteers. Our service is flexible to suit the different needs of everyone who takes part.
1.6 million older people are going without the care they need, and 2 million carers are older themselves. Here's how, with your support, Age UK is working to be here for them.
At Age UK, one of the ways we try to combat loneliness in later life is through our friendship services. We offer 2 different types:
Age UK and our partner charity The Silver Line offer free telephone friendship services so you can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone, all from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’d like to speak to someone every week, or just want to talk when the need strikes, we’re here to help.
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.
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.
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.
Last updated: Feb 03 2022