We've experienced a surge in demand for our services at the same time as facing a prolonged drop in income due to the pandemic. Despite this we supported more than 16,000 older people over the last year.

One of our most important services during this time, Tele-friends provided more than 5000 hours of befriending between April 2020 and March 2021, ensuring that 250 of the most isolated and vulnerable older people in our community had someone to talk to and turn to in a time of crisis. The service matches clients with local volunteers for weekly calls checking in on wellbeing, share interests and develop meaningful friendships. Creating mutually beneficial connections in our Community.

Yet we know that this crisis isn't over. The most isolated, lonely and vulnerable older people continue to need our support. Despite lifting of lockdown and vaccinations many older people have lost confidence and resilience and continue to live in fear.

We are more passionate and committed than ever in ensuring that they continue to get the help they need when they need it but we need your help. Your generosity throughout lockdown and beyond has been very gratefully received and we are now kindly asking for your much needed help once again as we launch our Phone a Friend 2021 Campaign.

We don't want to see anyone left behind as we all slowly emerge from the pandemic. Our befriending service is a vital link for so many older people to stay socially engaged, getting the information they need to stay safe build back their confidence and to have someone to talk to on a regular basis.

With your support, Age UK Camden is here to help. Every penny raised through our Phone a Friend appeal will go to supporting our Befriending services. So please, if you have felt at all alone during the last year, imagine for one minute how this might feel for an older person still alone, still needing our help.