Richard Quigley MP hears moving volunteer story during visit to Isle of Wight Age UK

Richard Quigley hears moving volunteer story during visit to Age UK Isle of Wight

Age UK Isle of Wight recently welcomed Richard Quigley MP to hear more about our befriending work and the difference local volunteers make to older people across the Island.

During the visit, Richard met Stephen, one of our befriending volunteers, who shared his deeply personal story of joining Age UK Isle of Wight after the loss of his partner.

The conversation was recorded and can be watched on our Facebook page or YouTube channel

Stephen’s story

Following the passing of his partner in September 2025, Stephen found himself alone for the first time in almost 53 years. Although he had good friends around him, he felt he wanted to do something different and meaningful to help him through the sadness he was feeling.

He initially considered volunteering with Mountbatten Hospice, who had supported him and his partner, before friends suggested that he look into Age UK Isle of Wight’s befriending service.

Stephen applied to become a befriender and now regularly visits two people through the service.

Speaking about his experience, Stephen said:

“Following the passing of my partner in September 2025 and being alone for the first time in almost 53 years, I felt the need to find something to distract from the sadness I felt. Although I’m lucky to have some good friends who are there for me if I need them, I still wanted to do something different.

“I initially thought about volunteering with Mountbatten Hospice, as they had been so good to us both when we needed them. However, friends suggested that I look at Isle of Wight Age UK’s befriending service, which I did, and I duly applied for the role of befriender.

“Since being given this opportunity, I now have two clients who I visit on a regular basis. I had hoped that my visits would bring comfort to those I visited, but never dreamed they could be such a benefit to me. Seeing other people’s struggles with loneliness and grief made me realise that so many of us face later life challenges, and we’re not alone in feeling like this.

“Isle of Wight Age UK has given me so much in such a short time. Not only am I a befriender, but I have also most certainly been befriended.”

The power of befriending

Isle of Wight Age UK's befriending work, including our Good Neighbour Scheme and Gift of Friendship service, supports older Islanders who may be feeling lonely or isolated by offering regular friendly visits, conversation and connection through trained local volunteers.

Stephen’s story is a powerful reminder that befriending is not only about giving time. It is about friendship, shared experience and human connection, and it can make a meaningful difference to both the person receiving support and the volunteer giving their time.

During the visit, Richard heard directly from Stephen about the impact befriending can have across the Island and the importance of local volunteering.

Richard Quigley MP said:

“It was an absolute and genuine pleasure to talk to Stephen and hear what a great job he is doing for the people he befriends, but also how much he is enjoying it himself.

“With the demographics of the Island, I think it is important to properly stress what Age UK Isle of Wight does and the importance of volunteer befriending.

“If there is anyone out there who is thinking of volunteering, please think of Isle of Wight Age UK as the place to start, especially if you are interested in becoming a face-to-face befriender.”

Could you become a befriending volunteer?

Isle of Wight Age UK is currently looking for more people who are willing to get involved and help support older people across the Island.

Volunteers do not need special qualifications. What matters most is kindness, reliability and a willingness to spend time with someone who may benefit from regular friendly contact.

A friendly visit, a regular chat and a familiar face can make a real difference to an older person’s week. As Stephen’s story shows, volunteering can also bring friendship, purpose and connection to the volunteer too.

You can find out more about Good Neighbour Scheme volunteering by clicking here

or if you'd like to read more about Stephen's story in his own words you can read that by clicking here

To find out more about volunteering with Age UK Isle of Wight, please email volunteering@ageukiw.org.uk or call 01983 525282.