Roy
Age UK Telephone Friendship Service User
Roy, 80, lives alone after losing his beloved wife, Maggie, over 12 years ago. He decided to join a telephone friendship service. He was feeling lonely not having much family who live nearby and few friends he could turn to.
When you lose your partner, you can eventually come to terms with it, but you never get over it. Life’s very lonely until you find somebody, it can be difficult to feel so alone. Even just going to the shops and someone saying “hello” can make your day go so much better.
Christmases are especially tough – Maggie used to make sure we had family time, which was really good. After she died, I had to try and get used to being alone. One year I wasn’t feeling well, so I stayed at home alone, and it meant that my only companion at Christmas was the TV. I was just on my own. It wasn’t easy. But that’s most days, not just Christmas. It’s looking like I’ll be on my own again for Christmas this year.
For the last three years, through Age UK I’ve been chatting to a woman called Jeanette – she’s so lovely to talk to. We talk about everything. I was delighted straight away, right after our very first chat.
Keeping connected over the phone
For the last three years, through Age UK I’ve been chatting to a woman called Jeanette – she’s so lovely to talk to. We talk about everything. I was delighted straight away, right after our very first chat. It’s been great every day since! She phones every Wednesday, and it’s lovely to be able to just talk to someone, especially as I love to chat. I look forward to the calls very much. The calls make a hell of a difference.
Life is so lonely when you’re on your own. When we hang up the phone, I always wish the conversations hadn’t ended. When I’m on my own, I can be really fed up and depressed sometimes. But if somebody picks up the phone or I ring somebody else, it’s a different me. To know that Age UK are there for me to reach out to if I’m feeling down, or miserable, it means a lot.
Roy is part of Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service, which provides many older people with their one chance for regular contact and conversation. For more info please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/sign-up-for-telephone-befriending
Donate line:
For many older people, Age UK will be their lifeline this Christmas. Age UK is raising urgently needed funds so it can continue to run its Telephone Friendship Service – now more than ever, no one should have no one. Donate at www.ageuk.org.uk/christmas-appeal.
For older people:
Anyone who needs support, is worried about an older relative or friend or wants to find out more about Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service can get in touch by calling Age UK Advice free of charge on 0800 169 6565 (8am-7pm) or visit www.ageuk.org.uk. Any older person looking for a cheerful chat can call The Silver Line’s free helpline, day or night, on 0800 470 80 90.