More than a million older people in the UK say they can go a month without speaking to a friend or relative. Loneliness isn't just sad; it's linked to depression, heart disease and dementia.
Small things, big difference
Our befrienders don't do anything dramatic. They turn up every week, put the kettle on and listen. Over months, that reliability rebuilds confidence. Many of the people we visit start coming to our tea parties and memory café, and some go on to volunteer themselves.
Spotting the signs
Lonely people rarely say so. Look out for neighbours you haven't seen for a while, curtains that stay closed, or post piling up. A knock on the door and a friendly hello is a good start.
Become a befriender
We currently have 34 older people waiting for a match. If you could spare an hour a week, our training takes a single morning and we'll match you with someone nearby who shares your interests.
Margaret Doyle
Sep 2026 · 5 min read
