Befriending
“I have gained more than I could ever imagine from being a volunteer, I would recommend it to everyone. Such a ‘feel good’ thing to do.”
At Age Well East, we understand that social connection is key to wellbeing. That’s why we provide a variety of befriending services for adults aged 18+ in Essex and those aged 60+ in Thurrock who may be homebound, feeling isolated, or looking for regular companionship.
Home Visit Befriending (for the homebound)
Our friendly volunteers can visit clients in their homes, offering companionship and support to those who:
- Have limited mobility or long-term health conditions
- Live with dementia
- Experience mental health challenges that make leaving the house difficult (e.g. agoraphobia)
- Are unpaid carers who cannot leave the person they care for alone
Telephone Befriending (for the homebound)
- For those unable to receive visitors, our volunteers provide regular phone calls, offering connection, conversation, and companionship, all from the comfort of home.
Community Companion
Our volunteers can accompany clients to community activities, providing support and confidence to:
- Attend social or recreational activities without feeling anxious
- Meet new people and build social confidence
- Connect with other Age Well East clients at volunteer-hosted meet-ups
Phone Friends (peer connection)
Weekly scheduled phone calls connecting Age Well East clients across Essex. A chance to form new friendships without any call charges.
How does it work?
Essex residents
Step one: Fill out the referral form through the Essex Wellbeing Service . or call 0300 303 9988 You can do this yourself or for someone you know.
Step two: The Essex Wellbeing Service will be in touch to learn more about you and your requirements. They will then refer you to our community and friendship service.
Step three: An Age Well East Friendship Coordinator will call and ask you questions about where you live, your interests and friendship requirements. This can be done over the telephone or in your own home. From this contact we will establish what friendship service is available to you.
Step four: We will either match you with one of our volunteer befrienders, volunteer community companions or a peer phone friend. Your match will be based on shared interests, home location and volunteer availability. Please note that there may be a short waiting list.
Thurrock residents
Step one: Fill out the referral form via Referrals – Age Well East. You can do this yourself or for someone you know. Alternatively, you can call us on 0300 373 3333.
Step two: An Age Well East Friendship Coordinator will call and ask you questions about where you live, your interests and friendship requirements. This can be done over the telephone or in your own home. From this contact we will establish what friendship service is available to you.
Step three: We will either match you with one of our volunteer befrienders, volunteer community companions or invite you to a peer connection group. Your match will be based on shared interests, home location and volunteer availability. Please note that there may be a short waiting list.
Community groups
We run a range of inclusive friendship groups, face-to-face and online. Connect with like-minded people across Essex and have fun!
Community & friendship
Discover how we connect people and communities in Essex, and find a volunteer friend living near you.
Become a Volunteer
Make a difference to a lonely person by becoming a Volunteer. We offer a variety of positions and a supportive team.
We can make a real difference to you or someone you know.
We are here for people in later years. We empower you to age well.