Referrer guide - Telephone Support

Companionship Calls

Companionship Calls provide regular telephone support and encouragement to reduce loneliness and improve a person’s wellbeing from the same volunteer (up to 3 calls per week for 6 weeks).

This is suitable for people who would benefit from speaking to the same person.  

As part of our training for this role, volunteers will be offered information about the evidence-based NHS five ways to wellbeing which, at their own discretion, they can use to help clients feel better and explore positive changes they could make to their lives.   

These might include encouraging clients to connect with others, become more physically active or to learn new skills or volunteer. They will point clients to resources from the Royal Voluntary Service Virtual Village Hall and weareundefeatable.co.uk as well as encourage them to link with local community activities and charity organisations.  

Who is eligible for this support? 

People who may need a friendly chat and who may be vulnerable. They may be:

  • housebound/have little contact with others
  • anxious about leaving the house
  • recently discharged from hospital
  • in need of a friendly chat and some encouragement to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

This support is not suitable for:

  • people with complex mental health needs
  • people who are known to be suicidal
  • people with severe cognitive impairment
  • referrals for those with drug addiction or alcohol dependency.

Please ensure you have also read the programme referral criteria and that the person meets this criteria before making a referral. 

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Page last reviewed: 05 June 2024