Become a Telephone Friend
Our Telephone Friends are thoughtful volunteers, dedicated to bringing warmth, conversation and connection to our members.
As a Telephone Friend, you’ll be matched with an AJR member and, through regular chats, build a genuine friendship.
The role is flexible and informal—you and your matched member can decide together how often you speak, how long your conversations last, and what you feel comfortable talking about.
Your calls will make a real difference to older AJR members who may live alone or find it difficult to leave their home. Many have experienced the loss of a partner or close friends, while others are no longer able to attend social groups or have family living nearby. A friendly conversation and a familiar voice at the end of the phone can help reduce loneliness, provide reassurance and brighten someone’s day.
Before you’re introduced to a member, you’ll receive training and ongoing support from AJR. Members are also given information about the service and know when to expect your calls. To protect your privacy, you will always make the calls, and your telephone number will remain confidential. Together, you’ll agree a schedule that works for you both, making it easy to develop a meaningful and lasting connection.
Ready to get started?
Whether you have a few hours a week or a bit more time to give, there’s a place for you here. Speak to our team on 020 8385 3070 or complete the form below.
“It takes time to build up trust, like any friendship, but it’s a real privilege when one of these members, whose own lives have been so interesting and challenging, chooses to confide in me. I lost my own parents when I was quite young, so this is my way of connecting with and giving back to their generation.”
Charlotte - Telephone Volunteer
