Befriending

We can all feel lonely from time to time, but for some of us, loneliness can become a big part of our life and we can become isolated.

Sadly, as we get older we're more likely to feel lonely, especially if we don't have a family network to rely upon or friends to turn to.

We believe everyone deserves should have opportunities to connect with others, so our telephone befriending service does just that.

Who is this service for?

You may be feeling lonely for lots of different reasons. You may be isolated due to poor physical or mental health or perhaps you've lost your confidence and don't know how to start making connections within your local community. 

Whatever the reason, our befriending team is here for you.

To access our support you must be

  • aged 60+

  • living in Teesside

  • able to hear and be understood over the telephone

What we can do to help you

At its heart, the befriending service will help you enjoy a friendly chat when you need it from the comfort of your home.

We'll listen to you to find out your interests before matching you with a befriender from our experienced team.

You'll then chat over the telephone every week at a time that works for you both.

Knowing that you've got someone to speak to and that you're building a new friendship will give your mood a boost and the reassurance that you're not alone.

How do we deliver this service?

Our befrienders all provide support and a listening ear over the telephone. 

Once you've built a friendship and they get to know you and what matters to you, you may be interested in finding out about other ways in which we can help you feel more connected to other people.

How can you access this service?

You can call our team now on 01642 257020 to make a referral or you can complete the referral form below and one of our team will be in touch.

Alternatively, your GP or another support agency can refer you.

If you’ve got any questions about the service before making a referral then reach out to the team on 01642 257020.

Resources you may find useful

We know how important it is to have clear information or somewhere to turn quickly when you need some extra support.

So, here are links to other sources of information that may be useful for you.

Loneliness in older people - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Advice-Guide-If-youre-feeling-lonely.pdf (independentage.org)