A voice of friendship: Anne's volunteering story

A weekly phone call might seem like a small act of kindness, but for many older people it can mean friendship, connection and knowing that someone cares. As part of our Together This Summer campaign, and ahead of International Friendship Day on 30th July, we're celebrating the volunteers who make those conversations possible.

Originally from Scotland, Anne moved to Norfolk with her husband, Mike, and their two children. After volunteering as a school governor and later serving as a parish councillor, she was looking for another way to give back that she could do from home and fit around family life.

After a friend mentioned Age UK Norfolk's Telephone Befriending service, Anne got in touch and has now been volunteering for over 10 years. She began by calling one lady every Sunday, recognising it was her loneliest day, and continued those weekly conversations for nine years. Alongside other members, those regular calls soon showed Anne just how important a friendly conversation could be.

"It became apparent to me how valuable my calls were to the members, who sometimes were housebound and didn't see anyone from one week to the next."

Today, Anne is also a Befriending Assistant, helping the office make calls to members who are waiting to be matched with a volunteer, as well as continuing to make weekly calls herself.

"Being a befriender involves my accessing a list on the computer – or my phone – and ringing the member once a week. It is so rewarding and so easy. To see how much even a 20-minute call once a week makes to someone's life is humbling."

Through years of speaking to older people, Anne noticed a clear difference between those who regularly got out into their communities and those who didn't. Wanting to do even more, she joined forces with two friends, Tracey and Clare, to launch the Sip & Social Café for over 55s at Lophams' Village Hall. The monthly café now welcomes between 30 and 50 people. Some come on their own, some with friends and others as couples, but all come for the chance to enjoy good company in a welcoming environment.

 "Already we have found that people who were unknown to each other have met up for walks, gone to each other’s homes for coffee, or taken trips to local garden centres." The feedback from those attending has reinforced why the café is so important. "They said that it was somewhere to go and meet new and old friends. It gets them out of the house, stops them sitting at home alone. Coming helps with their mental health, and everyone said they had a laugh whilst there and how much fun they have."

Whether through a weekly phone call or a friendly chat over coffee, Anne has spent more than a decade helping older people feel connected. Looking back on her volunteering journey, she says it has given her just as much in return.

"I have been told by many members how they look forward to my calls and really value the service. Hearing the change in their demeanour, having maybe answered the phone sounding down and fed up, to them laughing and joking is everything."

For anyone considering volunteering, Anne has a simple message: "What other thing can you do which takes such little effort, is like chatting to a friend on the phone but makes so much difference to someone's outlook?"

For Anne, volunteering isn't just about giving time—it's about building relationships, creating connections and helping people feel less alone.

International Friendship Day is a reminder that friendship can take many forms. Whether it's a weekly phone call, a chat over coffee or simply knowing someone is thinking of you, small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference to an older person's life.

"My volunteering experience with Age UK Norfolk has given me more than I give… I learn something from every one of the members that I ring, about life, history and love."