There are an estimated 9 million people in the UK who say they are lonely.
These past months have been tough for everyone, but for those living on their own it can be unbearable at times. Doesn't everyone like a chat?
Befriending up and down the UK has created thousands of new friendships, and many people say their calls are the highlight of their week.
The NHS has online guidance on combatting loneliness at any age https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coping-loneliness-during-coronavirus-outbreak/
If you or someone you know could do with more conversation in their lives, there are number of organisations with befrienders that you can access because a good chat means the world:
SH Age Concern https://www.sh-ac.org.uk/services/
Independent Age https://www.independentage.org/get-support/receive-regular-phone-calls
Re-engage https://www.reengage.org.uk/join-a-group/
Crossroads https://crossroadscaresurrey.org.uk/company-and-companionship/
Age UK Surrey https://www.ageuk.org.uk/surrey/our-services/befriending-service/
Time2Talk https://voluntarysupport.org.uk/volunteering/time-to-talk/
The Silverline https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/what-we-do/telephone-friendship-service/
You may want to volunteer as a befriender and we can help you do that too - email alison@voluntarysupport.org.uk