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Befriending older neighbours
Weekly visits and phone calls that pair older people living alone with a trained volunteer friend.
Overview
Befriending older neighbours, explained.
Loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking. Our befrienders visit or phone older people across Manchester every week for a cuppa and a chat, a walk to the shops or help with something fiddly like a video call to the grandchildren. Many of these friendships last for years.
What's included
- Matched with a volunteer who shares your interests
- Weekly home visits or telephone friendship calls
- Trips out to the shops, café or park
- Help with technology and staying in touch with family
- Invitations to our monthly tea parties
At a glance
- For
- Over-65s living alone
- Duration
- One hour a week
- Price
- Free
- Type
- Our programmes
- Category
- Older people
Good to know
- All befrienders are DBS-checked and trained
- Family members can make a referral with permission
- We'll match you within about four weeks
How it works
- 1
Get in touch yourself, or ask a GP, school, social worker or advice service to refer you
- 2
A friendly member of the team calls back within two working days
- 3
We talk through what would help most, in confidence and without judgement
- 4
You're welcomed at your first session, with a volunteer to show you around
Questions first? Our team are happy to talk it through.
Donate · FreeReviews
Loved by supporters across Manchester.
Hundreds of five-star reviews and counting. Here's what supporters say about Stand Together Foundation.
from 312 verified reviews
“I was so embarrassed the first time I came in. Nobody made me feel small. They gave me a parcel, a cup of tea and sorted out the benefit I'd been missing for months.”
Lorraine
Food bank visitor
“Since my wife passed, Thursday is the day I look forward to.”
Arthur, 84 · Supporter story
“My two came home from holiday club every day full of stories and fed properly. That summer would have been really hard without it.”
“I started volunteering at Stand Together Foundation for two hours a week after I retired. Four years later it's the best thing I do. The team make every volunteer feel valued.”
“Our team volunteering day was the most talked-about thing we did all year. The partnership team made it easy and the impact report is clear and honest.”
“When I arrived I could not speak English. Now I help new families with their forms. The teachers are so patient and kind.”
Keep exploring
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Ages 11 – 18 · Young people · Free
Holiday activity club
Book earlyAges 5 – 11 · Young people · Free for eligible families
Get started
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