Friend in need
Friend in Need is a telephone friendship service designed specifically to support older people who feel alone, lonely and are isolated. The service was developed and launched in June 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The service today, offers a friendship call to any older person over 70 years of age in Wales who has registered with the service and been matched with a volunteer.
Each week one of our trained volunteers calls an older person who is feeling lonely and socially isolated. The older person is called at the same time and is engaged in conversation, providing company and a friendly voice.
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.