Changes to the Linking People Together service from 1 April 2026

From the section: Support for older people living alone

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Changes to the Linking People Together service from 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, there will be changes to the service to help support more people.

These changes will encourage people to:

  • make more friends
  • increase independence
  • reduce and prevent loneliness and social isolation. 

The new service will replace the current befriending service and can include:  

  • options for face-to-face or phone support, best suited to your needs
  • matching you with a trained Age UK Solihull volunteer who can support you over a 6 to 8 week period
  • connecting you to local community groups that are right for you
  • matching you to other people on the service with similar interests
  • supporting you to learn relevant digital skills to manage your life independently and make social connections

All existing befriending calls and visits will continue as normal, and matches continue for those on the waiting list. If you receive befriending support, you will be redirected to the new service from 1 April.

Register your interest

Age UK Solihull are no longer taking new enquiries for the current service.

However, if you are interested in being supported under the new service, please register your interest with Age UK Solihull and you will be contacted in April. 

Register with Age UK Solihull