Telephone Friendship
We have a problem. In the UK over 1.4 million older people are chronically lonely. Many go for weeks or even months without speaking to someone they know. This sense of isolation can lead to health problems such as depression and dementia as well as decreased mobility.
This growing issue led to many conversations between ZCT and Age UK who, in 2005, launched the Telephone Friendship service (previously known as Call in Time) - a national telephone befriending service matching corporate volunteers with some of the most isolated and lonely older people in our communities for a regular friendly chat.
A simple enough idea, but hugely impactful to older people all across the UK. Since it's early days, Telephone Friendship has grown from strength to strength, and between 2021-2022 the service supported over 8,800 people! For their members, it's not just a call - it's a lifeline - and is now an integral part of Age UK's offering to older people. We continue to offer this volunteering opportunity to Zurich UK employees who are keen to support their friendship match through the programme.
One does not grow old by living, only by losing interest in living, which is where you found me! Thank you.
The difference made
Research has shown just how important a regular phone call - even if for just twenty minutes once a week - is to isolated older people. It was revealed the service was highly valued by older people and had a measurable, positive impact on their physical and mental health, providing them with a long-term benefit.
In addition to being a founder partner and providing long-term funding over the years, we’ve also actively encouraged our colleagues in Zurich UK to pick up the phone and become a phone friend for an older person. We're proud to say that at any one time there are around 75-80 active Zurich phone friends who take 20 minutes or so out of their busy weeks, every week, to make that all-important call.
Today and tomorrow
Thanks to the success of Telephone Friendship, we’ve been able to help Age UK reach so many older people who might otherwise go a whole week without a conversation.
The programme continues to expand with over 14 companies now corporate members on the programme. With their help, Age UK now have over 400 volunteers matched in a weekly Telephone Friendship. Zurich UK is very proud to be one of these companies.
More recently Age UK successfully rolled-out the programme to the general public, recruiting a further 400 volunteers to support the scheme. It all adds up to fewer older people facing long days of isolation.
Want to know more?
For more details about Telephone Friendship please contact:
Jane Boulton
Zurich Cares UK Manager