Register for a friendship call

Due to a long waiting list for our valuable service, we're suspending any new referrals into the service for the time being.

Our service is in huge demand and we need people to become a telephone befriender. We need your help more than ever before. Sign up today as a telephone befriender and help make someone’s day.

If you're aged 70 or over and live in Wales, you can register for a free friendship call from a trained and vetted volunteer by completing the registration form, or by phoning Age Cymru Advice on 0300 303 44 98, open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Friendship calls will be once a week at the same time, and are 30 minutes in length.

We'll follow up your registration with a call up to a week after receiving your completed form. During this call we'll find out more about you, and information for the matching process. Matching you with a volunteer may take a little so we will call you for a five minute check in once a week until you have a matched volunteer.

Frequently asked questions

Is there anyone who the service may not be suitable for?

The telephone befriending service may not be suitable for people with memory loss, dementia or mental health issues who require higher level support. These conditions may affect the person's ability to build a telephone friendship with a volunteer. In some instances, people with these conditions may actually find the calls more distressing

Can I receive a call in Welsh?

Yes, you'll receive a follow up call from a staff member where they'll ask you about whether you would prefer a call in English or Welsh, and will match you with a volunteer accordingly.

I have a sensory loss, can I receive support?

Yes, you'll receive a follow up call from a staff member where they'll ask you about any access support need and will match you with a volunteer accordingly.

Can I receive a call in a different language other than English or Welsh?

Yes, we'll ask you about your language preference on the follow up call and accommodate you accordingly.

How will I be matched?

We'll ask you about your interests and background on the follow up call and match you with someone who would be suitable for you to chat with.

What about my details?

We'll only use your email address and telephone number to contact you about your weekly call. We ask that you don't share personal details including your address with your telephone friend.

Can I request a different caller?

Sometimes it may take time to build a relationship with your telephone friend so we recommend having a few calls before making a judgement.

If you're really struggling, then please let us know and we'll talk you through the options available.

Is it safe?

We want to make sure everything's safe and secure, so before you receive a call from your telephone friend we will have:

• Asked them to provide two references
• Checked their name and date of birth matches at their address, and that they are who they say they are
• Required them to complete a DBS check
• Required them to agree with our terms and conditions.

In addition, where possible, you'll not be matched with someone in your local area, and all calls are recorded.

How do I register for a friendship call?

Due to a long waiting list for our valuable service, we're suspending any new referrals into the service for the time being.