'It's the highlight of my week'
Darranda explains why she loves volunteering as a telephone befriender.
Who we are
Age UK is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life.
The over-60s is the fastest-growing group in society and there are more of us than ever before.
Ageing is not an illness, but it can be challenging. At Age UK we provide services and support at a national and local level to inspire, enable and support older people.
We stand up and speak for all those who have reached later life, and also protect the long-term interests of future generations.
Our network
The Age UK network comprises around 130 local Age UKs reaching most of England.
Our family also includes Age Cymru, Age NI and Age Scotland, as well as Age International, with whom we support vulnerable older people in more than 40 countries worldwide.
Our shops
We have a network of around 450 shops, selling an ever-changing range of goods - many of which we rely on the goodwill of you to donate.
Our shops also act as a gateway to the rest of Age UK and each one is a recycling centre.
Our volunteers
Age UK would not be able to function properly without the dedication of the more than 75,000 volunteers who get involved and help all older people to make the most of later life.
Friends of Age UK
Age UK works with a number of independent organisations across the country that it calls Friends.
For more information call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 169 65 65 (8am-7pm, 365 days a year).