Chatterbox is a free telephone befriending service for socially isolated, acutely lonely people, and for people who provide caring support to others. Our clients are carefully matched to DBS-checked volunteer befrienders, with whom they exchange supportive, friendly phone calls. They chat about their lives, families and interests.
Please note: Chatterbox is NOT a counselling or talking therapy service. If you or someone you know requires this type of service, please seek NHS help via NHS Talking Therapies.
Due to increasing demand for our Chatterbox service, there is currently a waiting list of approximately six months. Please be patient and bear with us during this busy period, and please be assured that your referral has not been forgotten about.
We have also had to modify our eligibility criteria. New clients accepted to the service from November 2025 onwards will receive support for a maximum of 26 weeks.
Once discharged from Chatterbox, clients are welcome to apply for our free pen pal befriending service Letterbox and are able to reapply for Chatterbox after a further 52 weeks.
Submit a referral form online now if you, or someone you know, might benefit from Chatterbox.
Get in touch if you would like us to send you a PDF or paper copy of the referral form.
Click here if you would like to become a volunteer befriender.
Testimonials from Chatterbox clients:
“It is fantastic what you do - such a worthwhile operation.”
“Helped me find joy in life.”
“It feels like I have a friend in my home.
We'd be here all day if I told you everything that was good about Chatterbox.”
