The power of a simple phone call

Daniel volunteers with Age Scotland's Friendship Line, spending an hour each week calling older people who may otherwise go days without speaking to anyone. Through these regular conversations, he has heard fascinating life stories, built meaningful connections and seen first-hand the impact that a friendly chat can have on someone experiencing loneliness. 

We caught up with Daniel, a communications officer for Lothian Buses, to find out what inspired him to get involved, what he's learned from volunteering, and why he'd encourage others to do the same.

What inspired you to start volunteering with Age Scotland?

As Age Scotland is Lothian Buses’ Charity of Choice, I became more aware of their services and the work the team does across the country, but particularly in Edinburgh at the Lothians. I wanted to give a little bit back and do something to help. Along with a few of my colleagues, I took part in the Firewalk last year and really enjoyed it, and it made me interested in helping in other ways, when I was asked if I’d like to volunteer on the friendship line, I was very keen to get started.

How much time to you volunteer for Age Scotland each week?

I spent one hour each week volunteering on Age Scotland’s friendship helpline. I normally have two people to call and check in with each week. These calls take around 20-30 minutes depending on how the call is going – I then write up my notes for the call so the team at Age Scotland can see how it went and whether the caller needs any further support.

Can you share any highlights or favourite memories from your time as a volunteer for Age Scotland?

It’s just been really interesting getting to know so many different people in little, short windows of 20-30 minute phone calls and hear their stories. I’ve heard so many fascinating stories and memories from my callers – particularly a gentleman who spent much of his life in Africa as a carpenter.

It can become quite apparent early in the phone call that your caller has been waiting on the phone ringing for quite a while and that you may be the only person they speak to throughout the day.

Has anything surprised you since becoming a volunteer for Age Scotland?

The amount of older people who rely on the friendship line in order just to have someone to chat to. It can become quite apparent early in the phone call that your caller has been waiting on the phone ringing for quite a while and that you may be the only person they speak to throughout the day. Also, it’s been surprising on some calls how little I actually speak, it’s been nice to just listen to whatever the caller has to say.

Has volunteering changed your perspective in any way?

It’s made me a little bit more aware of my own’ loneliness’ at times. Since I’ve been volunteering, I’ve taken the time to make sure I’m reaching out to family and friends regularly to check in, for myself as much as anyone else. Also, just because some people are ‘lonely’ doesn’t mean they’re always sad – many of the people I’ve spoken to are generally very chirpy and a pleasure to chat to – they just really rely on the service to speak to people regularly.

Volunteering for Age Scotland is incredibly rewarding, and you get as much out of volunteering as those you are helping.

What motivates you to keep volunteering?

Knowing some people wait for a week or two just to hear the phone ring so they can speak to someone. Some people just want someone else to listen for 15-20 minutes and it can make such a difference to their day or week.

What do you think makes a great volunteer for Age Scotland?

Someone who is a keen listener, empathetic and likes to get to know people. Also, it’s helpful if they have a variety of interests because on the calls you could be chatting about anything depending on the caller’s interests, from the weather and current events to baking and travel stories.

Daniel's top 3 pieces of advice for anyone considering volunteering for Age Scotland  

1.     Go for it!

Volunteering is a fantastic thing to do and you’re making a real difference to Age Scotland’s service users.

2.     Be prepared to feel uncomfortable 

You never know where your chats are going to go but just keep being there for your caller and it’ll be OK. Take notes while you’re on the call so you can get the Age Scotland team to signpost your caller to further support if they would benefit from it.

3.     Allow yourself to be humbled

Volunteering for Age Scotland is incredibly rewarding, and you get as much out of volunteering as those you are helping.