Friendship services
At Age UK, one of the ways we try to combat loneliness in later life is through our friendship services. We offer two...
The Silver Line Helpline
Age UK's Silver Line Helpline is the UK's only free, confidential helpline providing friendship to older people – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What is The Silver Line Helpline?
The Silver Line Helpline, run by Age UK, is a telephone service specifically for older people aged 55 and over.
Dame Esther Rantzen DBE founded The Silver Line Helpline to help tackle the feelings of loneliness and isolation that many older people experience. The Silver Line Helpline opened its lines to older people across the UK in November 2013.
Whether you're feeling lonely, need to access support or just want to chat, our friendly team is ready to answer your call.
The Silver Line Helpline: 0800 4 70 80 90
Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How can Age UK's Silver Line Helpline help me?
The Silver Line Helpline gives you the opportunity to exchange a brief, friendly word or enjoy a long, enriching conversation. The kind of call we offer depends very much on what you might want or need when you pick up the phone to talk to us.
Some people call us to say good morning or good night to someone, or to have a chat about how their day's been. Other people call to get help with accessing support.
Our specially trained team can:
- offer friendly conversation
- provide information
- link callers up with local groups and services
- refer people to receive regular friendship calls through Age UK's Telephone Friendship Service
- support older people who are suffering abuse and neglect.
Loneliness can strike at any time of day or night – that's why we're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are always completely free.
Whatever your reason for calling, we're here to listen and ready to help.
The Silver Line was always there for me, day or night, and I was so grateful to have someone to talk to – especially during the night when I was alone and wasn't feeling too good. It's so nice to know that there is always someone there to listen.
Call Age UK's Silver Line Helpline
You can call The Silver Line Helpline for free on 0800 4 70 80 90. Lines are open every day of the year, 24 hours a day.
Haven't found what you're looking for?
If you're looking for information and advice on anything from benefits to housing to social care, call our Advice Line on 0800 678 1602.
Find out more about Age UK's Advice Line
If you're missing the joys of regular conversation and want a telephone friend, sign up to our Telephone Friendship Service.