Friend in need
In June, we launched our new telephone befriending service, Friend in Need. The service provides information and support for ‘Friends’ already supporting or wanting to help people they know in their local community and provides free telephone friendship calls for people in Wales who are 70 or over.
We launched the Friend in Need service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by the Welsh Government, and with the support of Welsh Government WLGA and Volunteering Wales.
I really enjoy doing friend in need, Ken, is really pleased at receiving a call from me. The pleasure in his voice when he realises it's me is unmistakable. It makes me feel good to have made him so happy for just receiving a call. Its very interesting hearing about his life when he was younger. He's sometimes very low until we start chating, you can feel his mood change. We always end up having a laugh. It makes me feel that friend in need is so worthwhile.
Initially I thought I was the one helping my Friend in Need but actually it's a two way process. My friend's attitude to life is inspirational. He has many health issues but his upbeat way of thinking has certainly made me appreciate the present moment we live in and to make the most of it while we still have it.