Did you know that long-term loneliness can have the same negative impact on your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? Feeling lonely isn’t the same as being alone—it happens when your social connections aren’t as strong as you’d like them to be. Living alone doesn’t always mean you’ll feel lonely, and there are plenty of ways to connect with people from the comfort of your own home.
Friendship Calls
The Silver Line
The Silver Line is a free, confidential helpline offering friendship, information, and advice to older people. It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year. Through their companionship programme, volunteers are paired with older people for a friendly chat each week.
"Lisa phones me every Sunday, and we chat as long as we like. I look forward to it every week and even plan my dinner around it! It’s another lifeline, something to look forward to, and another person to talk to."
— Ted, 85 years old
When signing up, you’ll be asked about your interests, and you can choose between 1-on-1 calls or joining group sessions where people chat about shared hobbies. You can also volunteer to make calls if you'd prefer.
Learn more and register for a Silver Line call→
Online Learning Opportunities
U3A (University of the Third Age)
U3A is a vibrant movement offering retired and semi-retired people the chance to engage in fun and educational activities. It’s all about learning for the joy of it—no tests, no qualifications, just enjoyment! With over 1,000 groups and 400,000 members across the UK, you can learn and share knowledge in everything from history to photography, all in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Membership is around £17 per year, and activities happen online, in groups, or at events.
Volunteering from Home
Volunteering isn’t just about helping others—it’s a great way to connect with your community, make friends, and even boost your own mental and physical health. Research shows that volunteering can reduce stress, lift your mood, and provide a sense of purpose, especially for people with health conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
You don’t need to commit a lot of time and you don't need to leave the house—there are plenty of ways to volunteer from home using your phone or computer. Local volunteer centres can help you find remote opportunities. Use the link below to search by postcode.
Find a local volunteer centre→
You can also explore the DoItLife volunteering database, which has roles like pet sitting or phone chats with those feeling lonely. Filter by roles suitable for older people when searching.
Search the DOITLIFE database→
Difficulties with Technology?
There are tablets and mobile phones designed with older people in mind, featuring larger buttons, louder sounds, and simple layouts that make it easier to use video calls and explore the internet.