Age uk telephone friend?

[Yumyi]

Has anyone signed up to be a telephone friend on age uk? Just wondered how they got on with this experience as I am thinking of signing up to it

I haven't done this but I commend you for wanting to do so. I don't even like calling my actual friends so I doubt I'd be any good at this!

I had a job a few years ago where this was part of my work. This charity organised a get together of all the service users once a week, so I would initially be introduced to each person there, before we began the phoning - made it much easier to then chat as we 'knew' each other.
The more we talked the more we got to know each other and they really appreciated being able to have a little gossip, share their worries, any health issues, and to discuss what actions should be taken.
It didn't work for everyone but for those it did, it was a worthwhile thing to do.

I do this. Started during Covid when a charity was looking for volunteers. I am no longer officially with the charity (not sure why think the scheme had a shelf life) but I still speak to my friend on the phone once a week.

I know what you mean smokingbum but I feel it would a different somehow when the chat is anonymous and also I find old people very sweet generally they usually have interesting bits and pieces of their life stories I like to hear (maybe this is a bit idealistic of me)

@Yumyi I do think it would be a really worthwhile thing to do and think if you are interested you should try it as it probably is a lifesaver for some elderly people.

We run this kind of service where I work although befriending rather than anonymous chatting and are always so short of volunteers compared to the numbers who need it, so please go for it if you feel you'd enjoy it.

I’ve done this for the past four years and it’s been really lovely. It started during Covid when my friend really struggled with not being able to see her family, but although she’s now active and sociable again she still lives alone and values having someone to share her news with and have a natter once a week. It’s a funny set up because you’re not allowed to share your surname or exactly where you live so it remains semi-anonymous but when it works well you also become very close. We really make each other laugh - she’s a big part of my life.

Aw that’s lovely dorothealadislaw

I have a friend who does this, she really enjoys it.

I did this through work and I loved it. I spoke to some really lovely and interesting people. This thread has reminded me how much I did enjoy it!

@Babyroobs is this opportunity open to the public or only volunteers from work? Thinking of doing it or suggesting it to my dd as volunteer.

dorothealadislaw is it with age uk or a similar charity?

Is there a single place where someone could
loom for this type of volunteering?
i know do-it have this but it’s not a great site and think there’s lots missing.

Yes, I do it through Age UK. It’s open to anyone - they interview you over the phone and you fill in a form so they can try to match you up with someone with shared interests. It’s quite a commitment - I’ve called when I’ve been on holiday, on Christmas Day etc, but it’s just usually just a ten minute chat these days and it means a lot to her that I check in each week. And she’s great company. Also I’ve previously done more practical volunteering and was feeling guilty that work and DC meant I couldn’t really fit in something like that, so it’s amazing to be able to do something from the sofa with a cup of tea!

At our place ( leading charity for the elderly) anyone would be welcomed as we are so short of volunteers. During lockdown it was mainly phone befriending but now it can be face to face or for example accompanying an older person out if they have lost confidence after a hospital stay and also many older people have still not regained confidence after covid and have become increasingly isolated. I have one poor gentleman who has been waiting over a year for a befriender in his area.

Thanks babyroobs. Sounds ideal and worthwhile.