Befriending...more than just a friendship

As we head to a Winter of continued uncertainty with high inflation, increase in cost of living and high energy prices we are facing yet another crisis for those most vulnerable in our community.

Extending our Befriending Service across the borough with Telefriends was born out of crisis with the Covid pandemic. And now as we head to a Winter of continued uncertainty with high inflation, increase in cost of living and high energy prices we are facing yet another crisis for those most vulnerable in our community.

Older people who live alone, often housebound, isolated and lonely are the very people who need to heat their home and can't get out to the 'safe, warm community spaces' that others can access. And who knows if they are eating enough, sleeping enough or feeling ill? Who will know if they have enough money? And who will know if they are depressed, grieving for a loved one or feeling invisible.

At Age UK Camden we're committed to continuing the lifeline of a telephone call once a week to those who are older, isolated and lonely through this winter. Phoning the very people who unlike most of us, don't have friends and family to check they're ok and to ask whether they need anything.

By calling once a week we not only provide company for that hour, it also provides us with a time to do just what our friends and family do with us - we check they're ok and if they need anything.

We often hear that our call is the highlight of an older person's week - an event which can't be missed, a time for socialising, having a giggle and at times it can literally be a lifeline.

A donation today can help us continue this lifeline for many older residents.