Fresh air and sunshine - Luke and Eileen

Eileen, once a regular at her local social club, has faced mobility challenges since 2020, making it difficult for her to get out. Thanks to her volunteer befriender Luke, she now enjoys regular outings with him, ‘I look forward to the visits,’ she says. 

The trips include visits to local cafes on Rye Lane or fish and chips on Goose Green. If the weather’s bad, they’ll sometimes stop by the old pie and mash shop. When talking about their time together, Eileen expresses her joy, ‘it’s fun to get out of the house and get some fresh air and sunshine and go and have lunch’. 

‘It’s peace of mind to know that I can rely on someone who I know comes regularly at the same time each week. I look forward to his visits and I’d miss him if he didn’t come'.

These outings give Eileen something to look forward to every week. ‘It’s peace of mind to know that I can rely on someone who I know comes regularly at the same time each week. I look forward to his visits and I’d miss him if he didn’t come,’ Eileen says. 

Luke also assists with practical tasks, like picking up medication and shopping for essentials. Whether it’s birthday cards for her grandchildren (and great-grandchildren) or lightbulbs that he then helps to change. 

They also enjoy attending Link Age Southwark events together, such as the Christmas party and afternoon tea at Alleyn’s School. These activities help her stay connected with the local community. 

Luke values the friendship, ‘I love seeing Eileen. We always have a good time together’. Luke appreciates the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the moment with Eileen, who will turn 97 in November. He values the break from the rush of everyday life and the chance to focus on someone else’s needs. 

He admires her resilience and warmth, despite her challenges. ‘She’s inspirational in the way she’s coped with what life has thrown at her, and she’s maintained a warmth and sparkle that I hope I have when I’m her age’. Eileen’s sharp memory and sense of humour bring joy to Luke ‘she’s fun! She has a wicked sense of humour and will often tease me about my terrible memory.’ 

In turn, Eileen is very caring, always asking about Luke's family and offering advice. Luke feels lucky to have made such a lovely, inspirational friend through his volunteering. They both cherish their time together. Eileen and Luke's bond highlights the impact of befriending, fostering meaningful relationships that enhance the lives of both volunteers and those they support. 

Find out how to get involved

If you would like to become a volunteer befriender, like Luke, find out how you can get involved below.

Find out more about befriending