Can you pay someone to talk to you? Yes. Let’s Just Talk OK is a private befriending service offering booked telephone conversations for adults aged 18 and over. You choose your Community Befriender and an available time, then talk by phone.
The prices are £30 for 30 minutes and £45 for 60 minutes. You are paying for time dedicated to your conversation, rather than advice, therapy or a promised emotional result.
For an overview of the conversations you can book, see Someone to Talk to.
What you are paying for
A booking sets aside time with your chosen befriender. You can have an ordinary chat, tell someone about your day or ask them to listen while you talk through something on your mind. There is no requirement to bring a problem.
Some people prefer a conversation with someone outside their work, family or friendship circle. Others simply want another person to talk to at an arranged time. You decide whether the topic is light, personal or a mixture of both.
Payment covers the call length you select. It does not buy a particular feeling afterwards, professional advice, a diagnosis or continuing contact between appointments. Your befriender does not become a therapist, carer or emergency contact.
Two call lengths and clear prices
- 30 minutes for £30: half an hour for your conversation.
- 60 minutes for £45: a longer appointment if you would like more time.
Both options are telephone calls with a Community Befriender. The difference is the time booked, rather than different levels of support or expertise. Check your selected length, person, date and time before paying.
There is no need to choose a longer call because you think your reason for booking sounds more important. Consider how much time you would like to set aside. You can check availability in the booking calendar.
Why choose a paid conversation?
The paid arrangement makes the purpose clear: someone has booked time to speak with you. You choose an available appointment rather than wondering whether a friend happens to be free.
You might want to talk about working from home, an everyday frustration, something you are looking forward to, a favourite programme or a hobby. You can also say that you would like someone to listen without trying to solve anything.
A paid booking is one option. It is not a judgement about your friendships, independence or ability to meet people. You can choose it, decide another option fits better, or explore free services first.
Free befriending options also exist
You do not have to pay Let’s Just Talk OK to look for conversation. Charities and community organisations offer free befriending services, with their own eligibility rules, availability and arrangements. Check those directly before deciding what suits you.
A local community group, a regular call with somebody you know, or an interest-based activity may be another route to conversation. Our paid calls do not replace friendships, community activities or professional support.
If you need urgent help, use Need help now?. A paid appointment should never delay seeking emergency or specialist support.
Book online, receive a phone call
- Choose a 30- or 60-minute call on the booking page.
- Select your befriender and an available time.
- Enter your details, including the phone number you want us to ring.
- Check your choices and pay by card through Stripe.
- Keep your confirmation email and be ready at the booked time.
Your befriender rings from our office number. Calls are by phone only: there is no video meeting to join or webcam to prepare. Available times are shown in the calendar; this is not an instant chat service.
Read How It Works for the booking process and the FAQ for common questions. You can book online and talk by phone without using a video-call account.
Changes and cancellations
Keep your confirmation email so you can refer to the appointment details. Changes and cancellations are handled through the customer panel and are subject to the 24-hour notice terms.
Please read the terms before paying, including the conditions that apply to your booking. If you have a question about the service or a practical requirement, contact us before choosing an appointment.
Private calls, with clear limits
Calls are not recorded. Booking details are needed to arrange and administer the service, and befrienders may make written notes. No audio recording does not mean no information is kept.
Confidentiality has limits, including legal requirements and concerns about harm. The customer terms explain the boundaries. Do not assume absolute secrecy, and share only the personal information you are comfortable discussing.
Befriending is not treatment or care
Our calls are friendly conversations. They are not therapy, counselling, coaching, medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, home care or crisis support. A befriender does not assess your health or supply a professional plan for your life.
We do not promise improvements to sleep, mood, health or loneliness. You are paying for the scheduled conversation itself. If you need clinical care or urgent support, please use an appropriate professional service.
For more about the conversation itself, read Listening Service by Phone. If you would like to let off steam, see Vent to Someone on the Phone.
Choose a befriender and a time
If a paid phone conversation fits what you want, view available appointments. Calls are for adults aged 18 and over: £30 for 30 minutes or £45 for 60 minutes. You choose your befriender and what you would like to talk about.
