This National Befriending Week, we’re celebrating the power of friendship and the incredible volunteers who help bring companionship and connection to people in our community. We spoke to Homeline volunteer Michael Burnill about his experience and why giving just a couple of hours a week has become such an important part of his life.

Making time to make a difference

When Michael decided he wanted to do something worthwhile with his spare time he didn’t have to look far from home.

“I wanted to make a difference, particularly over the winter period,” Michael explains. “It’s easy to find ourselves spending our free time sitting at home watching TV or scrolling on our phones, and I felt that time could be put to much more productive use by helping others.”

Living close to The Creighton Centre in Fulham, Michael had heard of our Homeline service and decided to pop in to find out more. After speaking with the team, completing his volunteer training and going through our matching process, he was introduced to Jimmy.

It was the beginning of a friendship that has proved rewarding for them both.

A friendship built on conversation

Michael now visits Jimmy twice a week, usually on Mondays and Thursdays, spending around an hour together each time.

There’s no complicated preparation or set agenda. They simply spend time chatting, sharing experiences and enjoying each other’s company. Even when Michael is away travelling, he tries to keep in touch with calls and text messages.

“This doesn’t require any preparation – I simply turn up and we chat.”

For Jimmy, those regular visits provide companionship and an opportunity to connect with someone. For Michael, they have become something he genuinely looks forward to.

“He’s an interesting person with great insights, and we have fantastic conversations. He often offers a different perspective on things that I might not otherwise have considered.”

Michael is quick to point out that every befriending relationship is different, because everyone has their own personality, interests and life experiences. In his case, the connection with Jimmy has been particularly special.

“We seem particularly well suited, and we really enjoy each other’s company.”

The rewards go both ways

Ask Michael about his proudest moment as a volunteer and he finds it difficult to choose just one. Instead it’s the simple knowledge that his visits are making a positive difference that means the most.

“Whenever I leave after a visit, I can tell that Jimmy is grateful for the time we’ve spent together.”

Michael has also been delighted to hear the positive feedback Jimmy has shared with the Homeline team. But perhaps what stands out most from Michael’s experience is that volunteering isn’t just about giving. It can bring enormous rewards to the volunteer too.

“I’m proud that I can make such a meaningful contribution to someone’s life simply by giving up a little of my time.”

What started as a plan to volunteer for an hour a week has grown into a regular two-hour commitment, and one that Michael considers time very well spent.

Finding the right match

One of the things Michael particularly values about Homeline is the care taken to match volunteers with the people they support.

He describes being paired with Jimmy as “a match made in heaven”.

For Michael, having shared interests and enjoying each other’s company has helped their friendship develop naturally. He also appreciates knowing that support from The Creighton Centre is always available if he needs it.

“Jelena checks in from time to time to make sure everything is going well, and I know that if I ever have any questions or concerns I can reach out to her for help.”

It’s this combination of thoughtful matching, ongoing support and genuine human connection that makes befriending such a positive experience.

Could you spare a little time to make a big difference?

Michael has a clear message for anyone thinking about volunteering: give it a go.

“I would wholeheartedly recommend it.”

He recognises that face to face befriending might suit some people more than others, but points out that Homeline also offers telephone befriending opportunities for people who prefer a different way of connecting. Above all, he wants people to know that volunteering doesn’t necessarily require a huge commitment.

“Giving up just two hours a week to have such a meaningful impact on another person’s life, particularly in older age when loneliness and social isolation can be significant challenges, is rewarding beyond words.”

As we celebrate National Befriending Week, Michael and Jimmy’s friendship is a reminder that sometimes the simplest things, a conversation, a regular visit and someone who genuinely cares, can make a lasting difference.

Become a Homeline volunteer!

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

If Michael’s story has inspired you, why not find out more about becoming a volunteer? Whether you can spare an hour or two a week, or would prefer telephone befriending, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch with The Creighton Centre to find out more about volunteering with Homeline.