New Volunteering Scheme Supports Older People Through Video Calls

Connecting generations to address loneliness among older adults

A new volunteering initiative is offering opportunities for individuals to support older people by providing companionship through regular video calls. The scheme aims to tackle loneliness experienced by older adults, including those living in care homes, by fostering virtual friendships across generations.

About the Adopt A Grandparent programme

Adopt A Grandparent is a UK-registered charity (No. 1208584) that facilitates one-to-one video calls between volunteers and older people, including care home residents. The charity pairs volunteers of all ages with older individuals to provide conversation and companionship, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness.

Loneliness among older adults can sometimes be hidden, even when they are surrounded by others. The charity highlights that loneliness “doesn’t always look like being alone” and seeks to bridge this gap through its virtual connection programme.

How the programme works

• Volunteers are matched with an older person or care home resident for regular video calls.
• Calls focus on providing conversation and companionship to reduce feelings of isolation.
• The programme is free for care homes across the UK to participate in.

Getting involved

Individuals interested in volunteering or care organisations wishing to participate can find further information on the Adopt A Grandparent website. The programme encourages people who feel they can make a difference to explore the opportunity to support older adults through this virtual friendship scheme.

For more details, visit the Adopt A Grandparent website.

Source: Doing Good Leeds – Volunteering Opportunity – Adopt a Grandparent