Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire
About Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire
The Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire Companion Line was set up in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic in 2020 and is a telephone befriending service. The service is for anyone over the age of 18, but particularly those who have been confined to the home through shielding, age, disability, health conditions or loss of regular care.Our Companion Line offers a regular weekly chat with a friendly volunteer who has been DBS checked, received training, and has similar interests to the client.In offering this service we are seeing a reduction in anxiety, an improvement in the well-being of those supported, a growth in confidence and a feeling of worth once again.
Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Malvern Gate, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR2 4BN
Service Eligibility
Information for Volunteers
We offer free telephone friendship services for older people so they can enjoy chatting with someone over the phone, all from the comfort of their home. As a volunteer, you’ll befriend someone who’s 50 or over. It’s a fun, safe, easy way to get to know someone new from the comfort of your own home. Lots of people tell us the chats are the highlight of their week. We will provide you with online training before you make your first call. This will include how you make your calls, listening skills, staying safe, and ideas on what to talk about. We’re also here to support you every step of the way. Loneliness can affect people in very different ways and it’s really important to remember that even if your telephone friend has family and friends or is able to get out and about, they may still have times when they may feel lonely or are in need of friendship. Our service offers older people a chance to share their stories, make a new friend, and connect with someone outside their usual social circle.