Celebrating Karen: Eight Years of Making a Difference

As we mark Befriending Week, we're also celebrating a special milestone for Karen, one of our Client Care Officers, who has recently marked eight years with Age UK Isle of Wight. From helping older people in their own homes to bringing clients and volunteer befrienders together, Karen's journey has taken her across several of our services, each making a difference to the lives of older Islanders.

Although Karen's eight-year anniversary marks her time as a permanent member of staff, her journey with the charity actually began back in 2015, when she joined our Just About You (JAY) service as a casual Support Worker.

Her role involved visiting older people in their homes, helping with everyday tasks such as shopping and domestic chores. Alongside this, she worked at one of our memory groups supporting older people living with dementia and began volunteering on reception at our Newport office.

These early experiences gave Karen an insight into the different ways Age UK Isle of Wight supports the Island community, and she found each role incredibly rewarding.

Supporting Older Islanders Through Changing Times

In October 2018, Karen joined the charity on a permanent basis as our Home Safe Coordinator, organising a team of four handymen who helped older people remain safe and independent in their homes. Their work ranged from changing light bulbs to installing grab rails and handrails.

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in 2020, the Home Safe service had to pause its home visits. Karen temporarily moved into our Good Neighbour Scheme, coordinating volunteers across a quarter of the Island who stepped forward to help vulnerable residents with shopping and prescription collections.

Looking back on this period, Karen remembers the incredible community spirit she witnessed:

"This for me was incredible, every member of staff, every member of the community pulled together to help support everyone on the Island."

In 2022, Karen moved to our Hospital Team at St Mary's Hospital, working alongside NHS discharge staff to help patients return home safely. Her work included arranging practical support, visiting patients and making regular welfare calls.

For Karen, this role was particularly meaningful because some of the people she supported had nobody else to turn to, and even a simple visit or telephone call could make a real difference.

After returning to our Newport office in 2024 as a Central Services Assistant, Karen moved into her current role coordinating volunteer befrienders through our Good Neighbour Scheme in September 2025.

Making a Difference Through Befriending

Today, Karen helps match older Islanders experiencing loneliness or isolation with our wonderful volunteer befrienders, who offer companionship through regular telephone calls, home visits and occasional outings.

For someone who spends much of their time alone, having a friendly voice on the telephone or someone to enjoy a coffee with can mean an enormous amount.

As Karen explains:

"There is nothing more rewarding than finding a befriender for a client knowing you have made a difference to their lives."

She highlights how the little things many of us take for granted can become the most important part of someone's week. Whether it's sharing a conversation, taking a trip around the Island or simply knowing that someone is thinking of them, these connections can give older people something positive to look forward to.

And the benefits aren't just felt by those receiving support. Befriending can be equally rewarding for volunteers, giving them the opportunity to make meaningful connections and experience the satisfaction of helping someone else.

Karen also encourages people to attend our monthly Chatty Brew gatherings, where clients and volunteers come together over coffee, cake and conversation. These welcoming events offer another opportunity to get out, meet people and build friendships.

Celebrating Eight Years and Looking Ahead

As we celebrate Karen's anniversary during Befriending Week, her story is a wonderful reminder of the people working behind the scenes to make our services possible.

From supporting people at home and helping the community through the pandemic to matching volunteer befrienders with older Islanders, Karen has continued to find fulfilment in helping others.

And for anyone considering volunteering as a befriender, her advice is simple:

"The personal reward you feel is huge!!"

Karen says she genuinely enjoys coming to work each day, knowing that she and her colleagues are helping clients and volunteers begin a rewarding journey together.

Congratulations on eight years, Karen, and thank you for everything you do to support older people across the Isle of Wight!

Could You Make a Difference as a Volunteer Befriender?

Befriending Week is a great opportunity to find out more about how a little of your time could make a big difference to an older person experiencing loneliness.

Whether through a regular telephone conversation, a friendly visit or a shared outing, our volunteer befrienders help bring companionship and connection into the lives of older Islanders.

Find out more about volunteering with Age UK Isle of Wight and how you could get involved.