Support for older people living alone

The service consists of two elements:

  • one-to-one befriending
  • access to community-based activities

Who can access this service

This service is for people who:

  • are over 65;
  • live within the Solihull borough;
  • live alone in their own home with no local family or other support nearby.

You can read more about eligibility for the linking people together service on the Age UK Solihull website.

If you are not eligible for this service, you can find out about other support and services at our Community Advice Hubs. There is also more information about support on My Solihull Map or Here2Help.

One-to-one befriending

The befriending service links you with a trained volunteer who will visit you at home or talk to you over the phone. It is a free service tailored to your individual needs

Face-to-face befriending involves a volunteer visiting you in your home for an hour, usually on a weekly basis, to sit and have a chat, to enjoy activities or to simply provide company.

"The Age UK Befriending service has been a lifesaver for me in the last few months. After back problems made it hard for me to get out and about, living alone became very isolating. Old friends had either moved on or lived too far away to visit regularly. So, I was delighted when Age UK Solihull suggested I join their befriending service. I thought, 'Why not? It will be a chance to meet someone new.”

Telephone befriending means a volunteer calls you once or twice a week for a chat to provide company and support with wellbeing.

For more information about befriending

You can contact Age UK Solihull by:

Access to community activities

Age UK Solihull runs regular clubs and activities to help you meet other people in your local community, develop connections and build friendships.

“When I started coming here, I needed help with getting disability allowance, the people here helped me to fill in the forms. It has made a big difference to me. I’ve also met friends and the activities and entertainment are good.”

For more information about clubs and activities

Find out more about clubs and activities on the Age UK Solihull website. You can also contact Age UK Solihull by: