Isolation and loneliness

NHS Volunteer Responders – Check In and Chat

People who would benefit from extra social contact can now self-refer for free ‘Check In and Chat’ phone calls from the NHS Volunteer Responders.

Volunteers phone patients for a friendly chat and may share local services. Those with additional vulnerabilities can access Check In and Chat Plus with a DBS-checked volunteer.

Tel: 0808 196 3646

The Happy Healing Hut

Support at home, getting out and about, creative afternoons, check-in visits, outings, end of life support, and complementary therapies. Offers volunteering programmes for adults and young people, and community wellbeing workshops.

Tel: 01420 82705

Email: alton@thehappyhealinghut.com

Website: www.thehappyhealinghut.com

Healing Hubs

Support for children and adults feeling lonely or isolated, with trained professional advocacy friends.

Tel: 0300 102 2546

Email: hello@thehealinghubs.org.uk

Call in Time (Age UK)

Free telephone friendship service for people aged 60 or over.

Tel: 0800 434 6105

Email: callintime@ageuk.org.uk

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk

Independent Age

National charity offering friendship calls or visits, a helpline, and online information for older people.

Tel: 0800 319 6789

Email: advice@independentage.org

Website: www.independentage.org

Re-engage

Organises monthly tea parties and weekly or fortnightly phone calls for older people living alone. Rainbow Call Companion is for LGBT+ people over 75.

Tel: 0800 716543

Website: www.reengage.org.uk

The Silver Line Helpline

Confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK. Offers advice, local group links, and support against abuse.

Tel: 0800 4 70 80 90

Email: info@thesilverline.org.uk

Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk

Age Concern Cowplain

Provides a range of social activities to support older people in the community and reduce isolation.

Tel: 023 9226 6423

Email: manager@ageconcerncowplain.org.uk

Website: www.ageconcerncowplain.org.uk

British Red Cross

Volunteer-led organisation offering services like Support at Home, Transport, Help with Loneliness, and Mobility Aids.

Tel: 0344 871 11 11

Email: contactus@redcross.org.uk

Website: www.redcross.org.uk

Butterflies Friendship Service

Free befriending service for lonely and isolated people in Hampshire. Volunteers call once or twice weekly to provide a friendly connection.

Tel: 02381 550066

Email: info@bflies.org.uk

Website: www.bflies.org.uk