Debby's story

I have been a telephone befriender with Age UK Northamptonshire since October 2022, calling between two and five older people on a regular basis. In the interest of transparency, I became a volunteer as my son owns a volunteering app business, Volunteero, and I wanted to volunteer with a charity that supported his App.  I’m super proud of him and the App makes volunteering so simple and effective.

I really enjoy volunteering and have a good giggle with some clients.  I mainly listen and try to find a positive during our chats.  Sadly, I had two clients pass away, which was very sad, but I felt I had managed to bring a little outside contact into their lives.  One lady I had lots in common with and we would talk for ages sharing stories. I still miss her almost two years later.

There are times when finding a common ground with some clients, to maintain a conversation, can be difficult.  On one occasion I just couldn’t find enough to discuss, but Age UK Northamptonshire "had my back" and we decided it might be better to find another befriender for her.

My two ladies I have now I’ve had from the start of my volunteering journey and our chats are great. I’ve learnt a lot about them and the conversations just flow: life experiences, current affairs and listening to how their life has been from week to week.  It’s so incredibly satisfying speaking with the ladies.

For anyone considering volunteering I would say "do It".  Caroline and her team at Age UK Northamptonshire have been so supportive and helped make my journey a really fulfilled, memorable and satisfying one.