Re-engage Call Companion volunteer Elizabeth has been chatting to Marian for six years and has enjoyed seeing how their friendship has developed over the years.

Elizabeth said: “When I first started calling it was a little difficult because we both had to get to know one another. But I used to work in a call centre, so I knew how to get a chat going and now we get on really well.

“Marian is very lonely. She’s 87, her husband died eight years ago and she wasn’t going out much, if at all, so I encouraged her to try new things. Now she goes to a chair exercise group, has made friends, and joins them for coffee; she has two new outlets and has gained so much confidence. She realises how nice it is to get out again.”

Elizabeth, 56, originally joined Re-engage to help with tea parties in Leeds. But when the Covid pandemic struck and our groups couldn’t meet in person, she immediately switched to become a Call Companion.

“I call Marian every Monday afternoon and we might chat for half an hour, or an hour. She tells me a bit about her family and she likes the royals and children. I really enjoy our talks and she has almost become one of our family.”

Re-engage CEO Jenny Willott said: "What can start as a simple connection often turns into a firm friendship for our volunteer Call Companions and the older people they support. Many volunteers, just like Elizabeth, tell us how much they gain from chatting each week to people like Marian - it's clear that volunteering really does bring so much joy and happiness to everyone involved."