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Befriending Service - Steel City Friends

Steel City Friends

Who are we?

At Age UK Sheffield, we support older people who may be feeling lonely, isolated, or disconnected from their friends, family or their community.

We know that everyone’s experience of loneliness is different. That’s why we’ve launched Steel City Friends, a volunteer-led initiative that brings people together through either a one-hour regular face-to-face visit or a 30‑minute telephone call.

Thanks to a generous donation from The Julia Rausing Trust, as part of its partnership with Age UK, we can offer this “Gift of Friendship” in Sheffield. This support enables our volunteers to work with older people to build meaningful connections, helping them feel heard, valued, and less alone, while also working at their own pace to rebuild their confidence and improve their overall well-being.

What does volunteering involve?

What does volunteering involve?

Volunteers commit to supporting one person for a minimum of six months, either through regular face-to-face visits or telephone calls. Together, you’ll build a friendship that supports them to feel more connected, reduce their loneliness, and builds their confidence or sense of agency. 

What qualities do I need?

  • A friendly and kind approach
  • Good listening skills and an interest in other people’s lives and stories
  • Openness to getting to know someone new and working independently
  • Empathy and patience, with an interest in understanding the challenges older people may face
  • Flexibility to follow the needs of the person you support
  • A willingness to learn about local services and groups
  • No previous experience is required — we provide full training and ongoing support

How do I apply?

Want to volunteer with Steel City Friends?

You can now sign up online via the national volunteering hub — it’s quick and easy.

Sign up for Face-to-Face Sign up for Telephone

If you’d rather have a paper application posted to you, we’re happy to arrange that. Just call us on 0114 250 2850.

Or contact us by email: volunteering@ageuksheffield.org.uk