Silver Line Helpline Volunteer

As part of our valuable 24/7 helpline team, you’ll be providing friendship and support to older people who may feel lonely or cut off from others. You’ll also help connect people to other services and Age UK support when needed.

You’ll need to create your Age UK volunteer account before applying.

In this role, you’ll:

Answer calls and have friendly chats with older people

Alert Team Leaders to any call concerns

Complete a short form for each call you handle

We’ll give you full training before you start, so you feel confident and ready:

Online training at home (1.5 hours) — includes keeping people safe

Virtual training session on Microsoft Teams (4.5 hours)

A supported trial shift (45 minutes)

Ongoing support includes:

Quick one-to-one chats (5–10 minutes)

A catch-up meeting in your first month

Optional monthly support groups

Feedback on your calls every three months and also when requested

Before you start, we’ll help you set up your account.

More older people call our helpline every day, and we need your help to answer them. As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in tackling loneliness and supporting communities across the UK.

You’ll take calls from your own home using a computer or laptop with a microphone or headset (calls come through your computer). Please note, our system doesn’t work on iPads.

We can provide you a basic reference confirming how long you volunteered with us.

When you apply, please answer all questions fully so we can get to know you. You’ll need to create your Age UK volunteer account first.

We’re looking for people who listen with genuine care and understanding, without judging others. You should enjoy two-way conversations, have a naturally friendly approach, and feel confident using computers and online platforms.