Call companion (Telephone chit chats)

Do you have time for a chat?

We’re urgently seeking call companions - volunteers who’ll make regular phone calls to older people waiting for friendship and connection. Right now, there’s a 3-month waiting list for those needing a call companion, due to increased need across the UK. Your voice could shorten that wait.

What’s involved? A simple, meaningful role:

- Once matched, you’ll chat for around 30 minutes, weekly or fortnightly — at a time that suits you both

- Follow our friendly guidance to make calls engaging, respectful, and supportive

- Stay in touch with our coordination team; flag any concerns

- Keep updated via our volunteer newsletter and resources

- It’s all done from home — flexible, low-key, and kind.

Who we’re looking for:

You don’t need a special degree or years of experience — just qualities that make you human and compassionate:

- Friendly, patient, and kind

- Good listener, curious, able to ask questions

- Able to commit for at least 12 months

- Comfortable using basic online tools (for training, check-ins, etc.)

- Aged 18+

We provide a 30-minute group induction, identity checks, references, and online training.

Why this matters, and why it matters for you too:

For the older person

Many are socially isolated, cut off from community and conversation. A regular phone call can become a lifeline of friendship, reducing loneliness and helping people feel seen, heard, and remembered.

For you — volunteering that boosts you

It’s not just altruism — being a call companion can improve your own wellbeing.

- Volunteering is linked with greater life satisfaction, lower stress, and improved mood

- Building a relationship with someone different from your usual circle can broaden perspective

- It gives you a meaningful, regular purpose — knowing your time really matters

You’ll also be supported and appreciated; from training, team check-ins, to volunteer recognition with our annual awards.

What’s needed from you:

- A reliable time slot for the calls

- Consistency for at least 12 months

- Readiness to engage — but also to simply listen

- An online connection (phone, internet)

Take the first step

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, and can commit to, we’d love to hear from you!