Enabling Connections
- Location: Age UK Solihull
- Price: Free
Please note, this service is not available outside Age UK Solihull - Head Office's catchment area.
Email: enablingconnections@ageuksolihull.org.uk
Telephone: 0121 709 7595
Enabling Connections is Age UK Solihull's short-term befriending and social connection service for older people who are experiencing loneliness, social isolation, or have become disconnected from their community following a significant life change.
The service provides free, volunteer-led support for up to six months, helping older people build confidence, strengthen social connections, and access opportunities within their local community.
Through personalised support, we work alongside individuals to identify goals, increase wellbeing, and encourage greater independence and community involvement.
Who is the Service For?
To access this service, you must:
- be aged 50 years and over
- live in the Solihull Borough
- be experiencing, or at risk of, loneliness or social isolation
- be willing to engage with support and work towards personal goals
- be able to engage with a volunteer for up to six months
- be able to manage their own personal care needs
Enabling Connections may be suitable for older people who are:
- living alone or feeling socially isolated
- recently bereaved
- recovering from illness, injury, or a hospital stay
- caring for a family member or friend and feel isolated
- experiencing low mood or reduced confidence linked to loneliness
- adjusting to a significant life change, (e.g. retirement, relocation)
- looking to reconnect with their local community and build new social networks
We will work with you to develop realistic and achievable goals to increase your social network, reduce loneliness and isolation. Support can be provided through home visits, telephone calls, community-based activities, depending on individual needs.
Enabling Connections is not designed to provide:
- specialist mental health support
- personal care services
- intensive case management
- clinical or therapeutic interventions
- support for substance dependency issues
- ongoing care
Where appropriate, we will signpost or refer individuals to services that can better meet their needs.
Our Volunteers
All volunteers are recruited, DBS checked, trained, and supported by Age UK Solihull. Please be aware volunteers are not able to take on any additional household tasks or provide personal care.
Find out about becoming an Enabling Connections Volunteer
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more or discuss a referral, please get in touch by completing the online form below, or contacting us on the details above. Referrals can be made by individuals themselves, family members, or professionals.
Other services to tackle loneliness
Enabling Connections comes under our Community Connections programme. This is a range of services and activities that support older people across Solihull to build friendships, stay connected and reduce loneliness and isolation.