Age UK Wakefield District
Befriending Service
About Age UK Wakefield District
Befriending Service
Supporting older people aged 50+ across the Wakefield District.
Our Befriending Service helps reduce loneliness and isolation by providing friendship, companionship and regular social contact through trained volunteer Befrienders.
We offer three types of support:
By Your Side Support – A 6-month goal-based service helping people to get out and about, build confidence, reconnect with their community and access local activities.
Ongoing Befriending – Our established home visiting service, providing regular companionship and support in the home. We have been reducing loneliness and building friendships for over 40 years.
Telephone Befriending – Weekly telephone calls offering friendship, conversation and reassurance for those who prefer support by phone.
Support is tailored to individual needs and preferences.
7, Bank Street, Castleford, England, WF10 1JD
Service Eligibility
Suitable for people aged 50+living across the Wakefield District who:
• Want to reduce loneliness & build social connections
• Would like to increase confidence & become more involved in their community
• Live alone & are unable to leave their home independently
• Have limited contact with family, friends, or others
• Care for someone at home & have few opportunities for social interaction
• Are affected by disability, ill health, or long-term conditions that contribute to isolation
We accept self-referrals, referrals from family members, carers, health & social care professionals, & community organisations.
Following a referral, we will arrange a home visit to discuss needs and identify the most suitable befriending option.
To find out more or make a referral, please contact:
📞 01977 664864
📧 befriending@ageukwd.org.uk
Information for Volunteers
Befrienders Needed
We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help reduce loneliness among older people across the District. No qualifications or experience needed – just a willingness to listen, offer companionship and make a difference.
By Your Side Volunteer
Provide weekly or fortnightly support for up to 6 months, helping an older person build confidence, achieve personal goals, access activities and reconnect with their community.
Home Visit Befriender
Offer regular home visits (around 1 hour per week) to provide friendship and companionship to an isolated older person. Flexible, ongoing commitment.
Telephone Befriender
Make weekly calls (around 30 minutes) from your own home, offering conversation, reassurance and friendship.
Befriender roles are open to people aged 18+. Volunteers will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check as part of the recruitment process.
More InformationAge Groups
Adults (25-65), Older Adults (65+)Themes
Older PeopleRegions
Country: England
Other Regions: Yorkshire and the Humber
Other Information
Type of Befriending: Distance befriending including telephone, video call, letter writing or other means, Face to face befriending which takes place in the home or community
Who can refer: Self Referrals Accepted, Friends & Family Referrals Accepted, Professional Referrals Accepted