For National Befriending Week we’re celebrating the volunteers who make a difference in our community through friendship, kindness and regular contact. Homeline volunteer Sinead shares how a decision to give just one hour a week has grown into a special friendship with Gloria, bringing companionship, practical support and plenty of laughter along the way.

Finding purpose through volunteering

When Sinead first moved to London, she was looking for a fresh start. She wasn’t working at the time and was considering a career change, but she also wanted to do something meaningful with her time.

Having watched the television programmes Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds and Old People’s Home for Teenagers, she had been struck by the loneliness experienced by many older people and the difference that connections between generations could make.

Having lost her grandparents when she was young Sinead had missed out on having those relationships with older generations herself.

“I saw how wonderful the benefit everyone got from connecting was and knew that helping others would help me too when I was struggling with settling in London and finding purpose.”

Living locally, Sinead spotted a banner outside The Creighton Centre advertising volunteering opportunities and decided to get in touch. After completing her training with the Homeline team she was introduced to Gloria, who lived nearby.

A friendship that started with a few nerves

Sinead remembers feeling nervous about meeting Gloria for the first time. Fortunately, Homeline’s Jelena was there to accompany her on that initial visit.

As it turned out, Gloria was feeling just as nervous!

“We both had no reason to be nervous as it has been very easy to get on from the first week!”

Two years later, their friendship is still going strong. Sinead visits Gloria for around an hour each week, a commitment she has been able to maintain even after returning to work.

She credits the advice she received from Jelena at the beginning for helping her find a volunteering commitment that was realistic and sustainable. And those regular visits have become something they both enjoy.

“She is such a beautiful person, with a great dry sense of humour and takes such joy in the simple things like good Colombian coffee!”

Friendship that makes everyday life easier

While connection is at the heart of Homeline, Sinead’s visits have also become an opportunity to help Gloria navigate some of the everyday challenges that can become more difficult with age. From arranging transport for hospital appointments, to contacting services and finding things online, Sinead provides practical support that helps Gloria manage day to day life.

It’s an experience that has opened Sinead’s eyes to how complicated everyday tasks can be for older people, particularly when so many services now assume everyone has access to email and the internet.

“So many things are set up based on you having an email address and being proficient online, which are not things Gloria does.”

For Gloria, who also faces language, eyesight and speech difficulties, these barriers can make dealing with organisations and services especially challenging.

Sinead helps with everything from contacting Gloria’s GP and housing management to resolving council payment queries. She also helps explain complicated information in more accessible language, providing reassurance when Gloria has concerns. And when something needs further discussion, Sinead can contact Gloria’s niece in Colombia to help ensure important information is understood.

It’s a reminder that befriending isn’t always just about having someone to talk to. Sometimes having a trusted person alongside you can make an enormous difference to your confidence and independence.

The little things that mean a lot

For Sinead, one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering is simply knowing how much Gloria looks forward to her visits.

“Gloria is always so happy to see me, and I know how much it lifts her spirits to have visitors.”

Gloria often saves up questions and little tasks for when Sinead arrives, but their time together is about much more than practical help. They share stories, talk about family and enjoy each other’s company. Gloria loves hearing about Sinead’s adventures, while Sinead has come to admire Gloria’s kindness, humour and positive outlook.

Despite facing considerable challenges in her life, Gloria continues to find joy in everyday moments.

“Gloria is always so kind and positive, even when she is having a tough day. I am so happy to be able to help lift her mood on the tough days.”

Their friendship has also given Sinead a new perspective on life, reminding her to appreciate her own health and recognise how important it can be to have someone who will listen, offer reassurance and help you make your voice heard.

Could you become a Homeline volunteer?

At The Creighton Centre, our Homeline service helps tackle loneliness and social isolation by bringing people together through friendship and regular contact.

Whether you have an hour or two to spare each week, volunteering can make a real difference to someone’s life, and perhaps to your own as well.

If Sinead’s story has inspired you, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch with The Creighton Centre to find out more about becoming a Homeline volunteer.