Age UK Berkshire's Befriending Service offers free companionship and friendly conversation to older people across Berkshire, either in their own homes or over the telephone.
If you or someone you know is feeling lonely or would simply enjoy a regular chat, our caring, DBS-checked volunteers are here to help. We carefully match each person with a volunteer based on interests and needs, aiming to build a lasting, supportive relationship.
- Face-to-face befriending is available in Reading, Bracknell, and West Berkshire, with volunteers visiting clients in their own homes.
- Telephone befriending is available Berkshire-wide, providing regular calls for those who prefer to stay at home or live outside our in-person areas.
Our Befriending Coordinator will visit you to learn about your interests and expectations, then introduce you to your matched volunteer. Together, you can decide how often to meet or chat—weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. We hope these friendships will last for many months or even years.
All volunteers are DBS-checked and fully trained. They can also keep you informed about other Age UK Berkshire services and activities that may interest you.
Cost: This service is completely free.
Get involved: If you’d like to volunteer, we provide full training and ongoing support. Volunteering is a rewarding way to make a difference in someone’s life and gain valuable experience.