“A few minutes can make a difference in someone’s life, and change yours”
5th June 2025
To celebrate Volunteers’ Week, members The Creighton Centre share a volunteering success story from one of their telephone befrienders, Marie-Emilie.
The Creighton Centre’s Homeline service provides long-term befriending support, helping to reduce isolation and loneliness for 60+ residents across Hammersmith and Fulham. In this interview, befriender Marie-Emilie tells us about her role as a telephone befriender, how it fits into her life as a single parent and the positive impact it’s had on her life.
Tell us why you got involved with Homeline?
I always wanted to volunteer for a charity but my schedule is quite busy between my work and being a solo parent. So when I found out that I could volunteer from home with the Creighton Centre, I did not hesitate for one second. Plus their cause to help isolated people really appealed to me and I really wanted to be a part of it.
Can you tell us more about your role as a volunteer?
On a weekly basis my role is to call 7 people every Monday (you can choose the day that suits you). On an average it takes me an hour per week to call all of them. Some calls will last a few minutes and with some it takes a bit longer. When you think about it, giving an hour of your time per week is nothing, especially when you see that you can cheer someone up with just a few minute call.
The Centre also has a few events like fish and chips lunches and afternoon teas that I went to help physically. I like helping for those events as you can meet the members face-to-face and speak to them.
I never thought that it was going to be such a great experience. I am there to bring my contribution but I feel that it is going both ways and it is more than that.
What has been your proudest moment volunteering so far?
There are quite a lot. I think some of them are when some members told me that they are really enjoying the conversations we have every week and that they are very grateful for me to call and ask how they genuinely are. I also had the opportunity to visit two of the members that I call and it was great to put a name on a face.
What do you get out of volunteering with Homeline?
I never thought that it was going to be such a great experience. I am there to bring my contribution but I feel that it is going both ways and it is more than that. Members are lovely and because they are older, they always have good anecdotes from their lives, good advice and they are great support too. I always look forward to Mondays to call and hear from them.
Do you find remote volunteering role convenient?
For me this is perfect as a single parent and working full time. This is very convenient and easy. The whole process is well organised and the tool is very simple to use. Plus the Centre informs us every week of what is happening at the Centre and what activities they have.
Do you feel supported in your volunteering?
Definitely. The team from the Centre is gold. Honestly, everyone is super helpful and nice. I often have questions or things to follow up after my calls, and Jelena or Jessica from the Creighton’s team, always reply very quickly and keep you updated. You feel that they really value your contribution.
Would you recommend volunteering to others?
Yes 100%. If you have an hour to spare every week to call people that are isolated and lonely don’t hesitate. These few minute calls can make a difference in someone’s life to feel heard, and will change yours too.
About Volunteers’ Week
Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK. Visit their website for resources, volunteers stories and ways to get involved.