Case Study: Friend in Need, Age Cymru

24th October 2023

Age Cymru’s Friend in Need service was launched in June 2020 to support those over 70 who were suffering from loneliness and isolation as a result of social distancing, self-isolation, and shielding.

The Befriending Networks member offers older people the opportunity to connect with a trained Age Cymru volunteer for a free weekly friendship call. Their befrienders engage in friendly conversation and provide a welcome listening ear for their befriendees.

Something To Look Forward To

Regular social interaction can help to build confidence, self-esteem, and structure.

‘Every Tuesday, I keep an eye on the clock, and it seems that the time goes really slowly, as I am waiting for my weekly telephone call from my Friend from Age Cymru.  My memory is not as it was, but I do know that she rings every week without fail.’

‘As soon as the phone rings, and I hear the cheery ‘hello’ a smile comes to my face. We chat about things in general, but it does give my son a break whilst I am on the phone to her.’

The impact of something as simple as a 30-minute weekly phone call is significant. Those receiving the calls find it brightens their week.

‘I don’t know what I would have done without my phone calls from Age Cymru, I have been feeling very under the weather, and quite frankly felt as if I could not go on.  But I get a phone call, and as soon as I hear the voice, I begin to smile.  She makes me laugh, and I know that she is reliable as clockwork with her telephone calls – thank you Age Cymru for putting a bit of light back into my life.’

Proud to Volunteer

It’s not just the befriendees who feel the benefit of calls. Volunteers take a lot from them too.

‘I chat to a few Friends each week, and have done so for quite a long time – they are now my real friends, and we learn so much from each other. We are all prone to loneliness, even if you have a large family and friends around you, but so many people have nobody.  I am proud to volunteer for Friend in Need.’

Get Involved

Visit the Age Cymru profile on the Befriending Networks Directory if you are interested in becoming a volunteer befriender with Friend in Need.

Volunteers receive a full induction and training and are provided with ongoing support throughout.