Norma is one of our longest serving volunteers and has been supporting older people through Link Age Southwark for more than 15 years.

When she retired from nursing in 2004 she was keen to keep herself busy and heard an appeal from the charity for volunteers at her local church. She has befriended many different older people over the years so it is no surprise to hear her say she has forged some wonderful friendships, not just with the older people she befriends but often with their families as well. She says, "They all have such different personalities and it was so nice to talk to them. I loved them all and we got really close."

The two ladies Norma is currently befriending both have a diagnosis of dementia. Norma is a fantastic addition to their support network of carers and family members. She visits them both every Monday and hopes that they enjoy the visits as much as she does.

"You become a good friend and they talk to you about their life and you don't pass judgements but you might sometimes give a little bit of advice"

Norma genuinely loves meeting and talking to people and intends to carry on befriending for as long as she possibly can. She says "I have such a laugh and it often reminds me to be very grateful for what I have got. So many people are lonely but we just don't know about it."

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Find out how to get involved

Norma does such a fantastic job, helping older people in her community feel less lonely and isolated. If you would like to become a volunteer befriender, like Norma, find out how you can get involved below.

Find out more about befriending