Our Telephone Friendship Groups support RAF veterans and their partners or widow(er)s to connect with new people. The Telephone Friendship Group calls link up to six people at the same time each week for up to an hour with the aim of reducing social isolation and loneliness. The calls are hosted by trained volunteers who are on hand to make sure they run smoothly, and we group people together with similar interests and experiences. Our groups are safe and confidential, the service is delivered under contract by Age UK on behalf of the RAF Benevolent Fund. 

You might feel nervous about speaking to new people. That’s why we ask everyone about their interests to match them to like-minded people. Whether you want to chat about your favourite TV show or current affairs, we’ll find you the right group.

We have received excellent feedback from members and the sense of belonging and wellbeing is much improved:

"We have become friends. It's enjoyable and quite satisfying to hear about what other people are doing. Yesterday we spoke about getting married and how it has changed over the years."

"It's lovely, I like it; I enjoy it. We have lovely little chats. I don't really get anyone visiting me at home. It's nice being in touch."

" I live in a block of flats, and when you live by yourself you do get lonely. I have joined every Monday evening since it started. Now I look forward to the phone ringing at 7pm.."

 

For more than 100 years, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been supporting members of our RAF Family through thick and thin, providing practical, emotional, and financial support whenever they need us. There are many ways the RAF Benevolent Fund can support you and your family. We always aim to provide a tailor-made approach to each individual situation ensuring you get the best support when you need it. In 2022 we supported over 40,700 veterans, serving personnel and their families. 13,800 were supported with their emotional wellbeing and more than 6,900 were supported financially.