About us News Link Age Southwark befriending featured in Southwark News Link Age Southwark forge lockdown friendships Our befriending service has been featured in Southwark News highlighting how we have continued to create new befriending matches throughout the lockdown. The article featured Lucy and Gwyneth, a new pairing whose telephone friendship is going from strength to strength. "Being a telephone befriender has given me an unexpected chance to get to know someone new, at a time when all social plans are on pause and to start a friendship that I hope will continue long after lockdown." - Lucy - volunteer Gwyneth, who is in her 90s, explained: “I’ve found it very educational in that I’m hearing about young people, what they’re thinking, dreaming about, enjoying, hoping to achieve. Lucy is interested in my experiences in the Second World War, so we’ve found different levels to communicate on about our experiences” - Gwyneth - service user. Food is one of their favourite topics of conversation and they are already planning where they can go for a meal when they are able to meet in person. “It’s been great to have something in the diary to look forward to every weekend, and I also like knowing that I am helping someone else to feel more connected and hopefully a bit happier at this time,” Lucy added. Melissa Whittingham, Link Age Southwark’s volunteer coordinator, says "Gwyneth and Lucy epitomise our vision of friendly local communities, where older people thrive.” For the full story please see the Southwark News website. Manage Cookie Preferences