Call companion

As a call companion, you will make regular telephone calls to an older person experiencing loneliness and isolation. These calls provide a lifeline of friendship for our older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world from which they have become isolated.

Over time, you and the older person you have been matched with will get to know each other well and together you will spend many hours full of fun, laughter and stories.

You will need two references and to complete an ID check for this role. This is a flexible, homebased voluntary role that can easily be fitted in around your own lifestyle and availability.

Call companions call the older person they are matched with between two and four times per month, and each call lasts around 30 minutes. During your first call with the older person, you will decide together how often the calls will take place and at what time.

This is a long-term voluntary role, so we are ideally looking for individuals who are able to commit to volunteering with us for at least 12 months.

Please note that you must be at least 18 years old to volunteer as a call companion.

What skills do I need?

Calling the older person you have been matched with two to four times per month at an agreed time.

Following the guidance in your call companion training modules to ensure that your calls are enjoyable, appropriate and in line with our charitable aims.

Keeping in regular contact with your call companion coordinator and letting them know how everything is going.

Completing monthly online reports about your call companion call As one of our valued call companions, you’ll receive training from Re-engage, and support and regular communications from your call companion coordinator.

This is a fun and rewarding role which will enable you to connect with a lonely older person and make a real and lasting difference to their life.  We are looking for call companions with the following skills and attributes:

Good conversation skills

An enthusiasm for speaking on the phone and making connections remotely

A friendly, empathetic approach

The ability to really listen to people

Patience

A passion for improving the lives of lonely and isolated older people

The ability to volunteer as part of a mutually supportive team of call companions

Basic computer literacy (including the ability to use email)

Location

This opportunity has no specific location e.g. can be carried out anywhere.