Care Line Telephone Befriending Scheme

Age Concern is the UK's largest organisation working for and with older people

What is Care Line?

Care Line is a community based telephone support service which aims to provide a link to a trained volunteer up to three times a week.

This service is for housebound Older People who are alone for most of the day. It offers a friendly chat with someone who can summon help if it is required. It is like receiving a call from a member of the family.

Age Concern works with Social Care Services and the Health Authority and can offer a specialist service for Older People discharging from hospital by checking all is well. Care Line can also be a way of helping an Older Person in a crisis e.g. someone recently bereaved, feeling depressed and unsure about the future, by giving emotional support during our Care Line involvement.

How Care Line can help you

We are committed to making a difference to Older People’s lives, especially those who live alone and don’t have relatives or friends popping in to see them on a regular basis.

  • We can provide a friendly phone call up to three times a week from one of our team of committed volunteers. This can make all the difference to an Older Person who may be feeling lonely and isolated.
  • We can support Older People discharging from hospital, checking they are all right and that the care plan written by the hospital service is working properly. We can alert the appropriate professionals on their behalf if problem arises.
  • The Care Line Co-ordinator or volunteer can also direct the Older Person and their carers to reliable sources of up to date information and advice on a variety of topics e.g. welfare benefits and care in the community. Referrals can be made by anyone e.g. Older Person, their family, friends, carers and health professionals.

How we work

  • We do not charge for our services.
  • We do not disclose personal information other than with your permission.
  • All conversations are conducted in private.
  • We explain the choices that you have when solving problems.
  • We can take action on your behalf if you wish us to do so.
  • We can tackle any discrimination or prejudice that you may be facing.
  • Your interests are our number one priority.
  • Even if we can’t help you we can point you in the direction of someone who can.