If you are an older adult who would like someone to talk to, Let’s Just Talk OK offers booked phone conversations with a Community Befriender you choose. You can talk about your week, a favourite programme, memories, interests or whatever you would like to share.
Calls cost £30 for 30 minutes or £45 for 60 minutes. You book online, and your befriender rings your telephone from our office number at the arranged time. There is no video meeting to join.
The service is open to all adults aged 18 and over, including older people. It is friendly conversation, not home care, counselling, medical advice or emergency support.
A phone conversation at an arranged time
You may live alone, have family some distance away, or simply enjoy speaking with somebody outside your usual circle. You can have people in your life and still want another conversation. There is no need to explain why you would like to book.
A call can be an ordinary chat. You do not have to discuss loneliness or bring a problem. You might talk about gardening, music, sport, a place you used to live, something in the news or a small event from your day.
You can also begin with “I’m not sure what to talk about.” There is no script for you to follow and no preparation you must complete. Your befriender can respond and ask questions as the conversation develops. If you’d like one idea to hand, try our conversation starter cards.
How the call starts
Your befriender calls the number supplied with your booking, from our office number, at the time you selected. Check that the number is correct and that you will have your phone nearby.
You do not need a webcam or a video-call account. The website is used to arrange the booking; the conversation happens by telephone. Choose a place where you can hear comfortably and speak with the privacy you want.
If you use hearing equipment, choose the phone setup you normally find most comfortable. We do not promise a particular accessibility feature or compatibility with equipment. You can contact us before booking to ask about a practical requirement.
Choose your Community Befriender
You can see which befrienders you can choose, then select a name in the booking system. The calendar shows current appointment options, so please check it rather than assuming somebody is available immediately.
The conversation is with the person you select. A paid call does not create an obligation to book regularly or share more about yourself than you wish. You can keep the topics light or say that you would like someone to listen.
Our listening service by phone page explains the approach in more detail. The FAQ answers common questions about the service.
Prices and call lengths
- 30 minutes: £30. Half an hour set aside for your conversation.
- 60 minutes: £45. A longer appointment if you would like more time.
Both options are telephone conversations with a Community Befriender. The longer call provides more time, rather than a different level of professional support. We do not promise that a call will change how you feel or provide a particular outcome.
This is a paid service. Free befriending services also exist, and you may prefer to explore those before deciding. Our help page includes free support options; a paid appointment is never the right route for an emergency.
A free option for people aged 55 and over
Age UK’s Silver Line Helpline offers free friendship, conversation and support for people aged 55 and over, 24 hours a day, every day. Call 0800 4 70 80 90. This is a separate service from Let’s Just Talk OK; you do not need to make a paid booking with us to use it. Service details checked on the provider’s official website on 31 October 2026.
Booking for yourself
- Open the booking page.
- Choose a call length, befriender and available time.
- Enter your details and the telephone number you want us to call.
- Check the appointment and pay by card through Stripe.
- Keep your confirmation email and be ready for the call.
The How It Works page describes the process. Changes and cancellations are handled through the customer panel, subject to the 24-hour notice terms.
Can a family member book for a parent?
Families can book a call for a parent, but the person receiving the call should know about it and agree to take part. Discuss the idea with them first rather than arranging an unexpected call.
Make sure the booking uses the correct phone number for the person receiving the call. Explain who will ring and when. The conversation belongs to that adult: paying for their booking does not mean a family member is entitled to an account of what they discuss.
A befriending call is not a welfare check or a way to monitor somebody. If you are concerned about a parent’s health, safety or care needs, use the appropriate professional or emergency service rather than relying on a booked conversation.
Our calls for a parent page sets out agreement, choosing a befriender, prices and what your parent should know before the appointment.
Friendly conversation, rather than care or treatment
Our befrienders do not visit your home, provide personal care, manage medicines, assess health conditions or replace professional carers. The service is not therapy, counselling, diagnosis or treatment.
A call is not continuous support between appointments, an emergency response service or a guarantee that someone will notice if you are unwell. If you need urgent help, use Need help now? instead of waiting for a booking.
Privacy and written notes
Calls are not recorded. We still need booking information 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. Read the customer terms rather than assuming absolute secrecy. You choose which personal details to share and can leave out identifying information about other people.
Book a friendly phone call
If a booked conversation sounds like what you are looking for, choose your befriender and an available time. Calls are £30 for 30 minutes or £45 for 60 minutes, for adults aged 18 and over.
