Feeling lonely or would like someone to talk to? Age UK Berkshire offers a free befriending service for older people, providing companionship and friendly conversation either through regular phone calls or in-person visits.
You may find this helpful if you are an older person who would like regular company, a friendly chat, or reassurance from having someone check in with you.
A trained volunteer will be carefully matched with you. Volunteers are DBS-checked, and the service is supported by a Befriending Coordinator who will visit you to learn about your interests, needs and expectations, then introduce you to your matched volunteer.
Befriending can be:
- Face to face, with a volunteer visiting you in your own home (available in Reading, Bracknell and West Berkshire).
- By phone, with regular telephone befriending calls (Berkshire-wide).
Visits or calls can be weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, at a time to suit you. Because the service aims to make a good long-term match, it may take at least a month to match you with the right volunteer.
To get started, call 0118 959 4242 or email info@ageukberkshire.org.uk for more information.
Service statistics
Usually replies in
2 days
74%
of referrals accepted
Categories:
Connecting with others
Services for older people
Service access criteria:
Suitable for any older person who would like some regular company, either in person or by phone. Telephone befriending covers the whole of Berkshire. Face-to-face befriending is available in Reading, Bracknell and West Berkshire.
Additional needs catered for:
Takes place in the client’s home
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