You can book and pay for a parent’s phone befriending call with Let’s Just Talk OK, provided your parent agrees first. They should know who will call, when the appointment is and what the service offers.
A booked call can be an option when your parent wants ordinary conversation with someone outside their usual circle. It is their conversation to choose. Our wider someone to talk to service is for adults aged 18 and over in the UK.
Start with your parent’s agreement
Ask whether they would like a call before choosing an appointment or paying. An unexpected call from a stranger may feel confusing or unwelcome, even when you have arranged it with good intentions.
You might say: “There is a service where you can book a friendly phone conversation. Would you like to look at it together?” This is an illustrative example, not a customer story. Your parent can say no or prefer another kind of contact.
Give them space to decide without presenting the call as something they need because they are lonely. Our guide for people worried about a lonely parent considers how to begin that conversation.
What does the service provide?
We offer one-to-one, phone-only befriending. Your parent can talk about everyday life, an interest, memories, something on their mind or how their week has been. They do not need to prepare a topic or disclose anything they would rather keep private.
This is not therapy, counselling, medical advice, personal care or crisis support. A call does not provide supervision, emergency monitoring or a check that someone is safe at home. If your parent needs those things, seek the appropriate care or professional support.
The befriending for older people page explains the service in that context. Our guide to loneliness in older people considers other circumstances and support options.
Choose the length and price together
- 30 minutes: £30. A shorter booked conversation.
- 60 minutes: £45. More time if your parent would prefer a longer conversation.
Neither length promises a particular emotional outcome. Choose according to your parent’s preference, comfort and available time. You can read our 30 or 60 minute call guide before deciding.
Calls are paid for in advance through the booking process. Check the appointment details and cancellation terms before completing payment.
Choose a befriender and an available time
Our befrienders are shown by first name. You can choose a befriender and an available appointment in the booking form. If possible, involve your parent in that choice rather than selecting purely on their behalf.
Pick a time when they are willing and able to answer. Consider other appointments, meals, rest and whether they will have somewhere comfortable to talk. Same-day appointments may be available; the calendar shows availability for the chosen befriender.
Read How It Works for the general process. When you and your parent are ready, use the booking page to view available appointments.
Use the correct telephone number
Your befriender rings the telephone number supplied with the booking from our office number, which appears on the phone. For a call intended for your parent, make sure the number is the one they will answer at the appointment time.
There is no video call, camera or app to set up. Your parent needs to be able to take part in the phone conversation. If hearing, speech, language or another communication need may make that difficult, contact us before paying to check suitability. We do not promise specialist communication support.
If you are unsure which contact details to enter while arranging someone else’s call, ask us first at admin@lets-just-talk-ok.co.uk. Avoid sharing medical records or unnecessary private information in an initial enquiry.
What your parent should know before the call
- The first name of the chosen befriender and the appointment date and time.
- The agreed length of the conversation.
- That the befriender will ring the supplied number from our office number.
- That they can choose what to talk about and what to keep private.
- That this is paid befriending, with the limits explained on this page.
A reminder shortly beforehand may help if your parent wants one. You do not need to write a script for them or ask them to give a report afterwards. An ordinary conversation can begin with their day or something that interests them. For a first sentence you can try together, pick one of our printable conversation starters.
Confidentiality, recording and notes
Calls are not recorded. Befrienders may keep written notes for continuity and safeguarding. Access is restricted to the befriender assigned to that customer and authorised administrators. Routine notes are reviewed monthly and deleted when at least 28 days have passed since the customer’s last call; safeguarding-related notes may be kept longer where necessary.
We aim to treat conversations confidentially. The customer terms explain exceptions, including legal requirements, a credible threat of harm, disclosed criminal activity and safeguarding concerns. Read them with your parent before booking.
Paying for a call is not a reason to expect a report of private conversation. If you have questions about administrative information, confidentiality or safeguarding, contact us before booking and read our confidentiality and safety information.
If plans change or a call is missed
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Under our current terms, cancellations with at least 24 hours’ notice can receive a full refund or rescheduling. Cancellations with less notice may be non-refundable.
If your parent does not answer a scheduled call, the session may be treated as completed without a refund under the terms. Check the supplied number and appointment details, and make sure your parent knows to expect the call. See the FAQ and full cancellation conditions before paying.
Other ways to find connection
Your parent may prefer friends, a local activity, a volunteer scheme or a free telephone service. Our free and paid befriending guide can help you compare arrangements. You can support their choice even if it differs from the option you first had in mind.
Our service can be used across the UK by phone; the UK telephone befriending page explains that format. Suitability still depends on the person and their needs.
If you are worried about immediate safety
If someone’s life is at risk or you cannot keep your parent, yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E. In England, for urgent mental health help, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or ask for an urgent GP appointment. See the NHS urgent-help guidance and our urgent help page.
For free listening support, call Samaritans on 116 123, day or night. Do not wait for a booked call in an emergency.
Ready to look at appointments?
With your parent’s agreement, choose a befriender, call length and available time. If anything about booking on their behalf is unclear, email us before paying so you can check the arrangements first.
