Age UK Isle of Wight recently welcomed Richard Quigley MP to hear more about the charity’s befriending work, and the difference local volunteers make to older people across the Island.
During the visit, Richard met Stephen, one of Age UK Isle of Wight’s befriending volunteers, who shared his deeply personal story of joining the charity after the loss of his partner in September 2025.
The meeting was recorded by Age UK Isle of Wight, and the full conversation can be watched on Facebook or YouTube via the following link:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Fw8x9EpRz/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ABYABh2wBoM?si=SqXEv_AyokmORzCz
After being alone for the first time in almost 53 years, Stephen wanted to find something meaningful to help him through the sadness he was feeling. Although supported by good friends, he felt the need to do something different and began looking into volunteering. He initially considered volunteering with Mountbatten Hospice, who had supported him and his partner, before friends suggested he look into Age UK Isle of Wight’s befriending service.
Stephen applied to become a befriender and now regularly visits two people through the service.
Speaking about the experience, Stephen said:
“Following the passing of my partner in September 2025 and being alone for the first time in almost 53 years, I felt the need to find something to distract from the sadness I felt. Although I’m lucky to have some good friends who are there for me if I need them, I still wanted to do something different.
“I initially thought about volunteering with Mountbatten Hospice, as they had been so good to us both when we needed them. However, friends suggested that I look at Isle of Wight Age UK’s befriending service, which I did, and I duly applied for the role of befriender.
“Since being given this opportunity, I now have two clients who I visit on a regular basis. I had hoped that my visits would bring comfort to those I visited, but never dreamed they could be such a benefit to me. Seeing other people’s struggles with loneliness and grief made me realise that so many of us face later life challenges, and we’re not alone in feeling like this.
“Isle of Wight Age UK has given me so much in such a short time. Not only am I a befriender, but I have also most certainly been befriended.”
Age UK Isle of Wight’s befriending work, including its Good Neighbour Scheme and Gift of Friendship service, supports older Islanders who may be feeling lonely or isolated by offering regular friendly visits, conversation and connection through trained local volunteers.
The visit gave Richard the opportunity to hear directly from Stephen about the impact befriending can have, not only for the person receiving support, but also for the volunteer giving their time.
Richard Quigley MP said:
“It was an absolute and genuine pleasure to talk to Stephen what a great job he’s doing for the people he befriends but also in terms of how much he’s enjoying it”
“With the demographics of the island I think its important to properly stress what you do (volunteer befriending) and what Age UK Isle of Wight does for the Island”
“If there’s anyone out there that’s thinking of volunteering, please think of Isle of Wight Age UK as the preferred place you start to become a face-to-face befriender”
For Age UK Isle of Wight, the visit was an opportunity to raise awareness of the need for more local volunteers and to show the real difference that befriending can make.
Isle of Wight Age UK Chief Officer Maria Bunce Said
“Stephen’s story beautifully shows what befriending is all about. A regular visit or friendly conversation can make a real difference to an older person who may be feeling lonely or isolated, but it can also bring connection, purpose and friendship to the volunteer too.
“We are incredibly grateful to Stephen and to all of our volunteers who give their time to support older people across the Isle of Wight. Their kindness helps make the Island a more connected and caring place for older residents
Isle of Wight Age UK is currently looking for more people who are willing to get involved and help support older people across the Island.
Volunteers do not need special qualifications, just kindness, reliability and a willingness to spend time with someone who may benefit from regular friendly contact.
Anyone who would like to find out more about volunteering with Isle of Wight Age UK is encouraged to get in touch by emailing [email protected] or calling 01983 525282
Good effort Stephen, everyone will get old one day
you are doing a great job.