The MACCS Befriending Companions is a free service, which offers a listening ear and a friendly voice for individuals feeling lonely and isolated. Our volunteer Befrienders offer meaningful, supportive, and compassionate connections to those who would otherwise be socially isolated due to ill health, disability, old age, or social disadvantage and require companionship. Through weekly friendly telephone conversations, Befrienders help Befriendees (service users) to overcome feelings of loneliness, isolation, lack of social contact, or anxiety and if necessary to assist them to seek access to services or community resources beyond our organisation. We are an inclusive organisation and are open to calls from adults over 18 years old. We do not, however, provide medical or professional counselling advice or support and therefore are unable to meet the needs of individuals with complex or acute mental health issues, personality disorder, suicidal ideation, drug or alcohol dependencies, or dementia. This is an opportunity for us to help and service those in our community feeling lonely and isolated from their usual connections and support groups. Our contact number is 0800 009 6353 and we are open daily between 2.00-6.00pm.