Why I'm a Silver Line befriender Last week, I received my training, along with 10 like-minded people, all of whom shared similar reasons for wanting to befriend. And as the ageing population continues to grow, social circles reduce, and families in our geographically mobile world become more divided, we start to realise that a lonely old age could be our lot, too. During our training session we learnt that empathy is more important than sympathy, and that we must try to be non-judgmental. We were given tips to get the conversation going, and performed role-plays of both befrienders and clients to test our communication skills. Those of us who did our training last week are pioneer, pre-launch volunteers numbering about 55, and there are about 200 elderly people waiting to be matched with us in our befriending roles. If all goes to plan, I will be in phone contact with my new friends before Christmas. Within its first year the Silver Line hopes to recruit 3,250 volunteers, matching more than 12,000 elderly people to a befriender who will call them for a chat at an agreed time each week. Volunteers, who are asked to work in pairs in order to provide one another support, can do so from their own homes or in hubs that will become available over time, donating a minimum of two hours a week and taking on up to four regular people to befriend. Running in parallel will be the 24-hour Silver Line helpline, offering a friendly voice around the clock, as well as information about local services. I have found myself wondering what exactly a weekly phone call from a befriender, or the availability of a 24-hour helpline, can do to alleviate the myriad difficulties of old age. But the only people who can really answer that question are those who benefit from the service themselves. As one satisfied customer put it: "You get so down, you think, 'Why do I bother," but now I feel less shuffled under the carpet and I don't feel alone any more - thanks to my Silver Line friend." For The Silver Line helpline call 0800 4 70 80 90. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, email amy@thesilverline.org.uk