Through years of working as a nurse in her younger days, pensioner Effie had learned to check if other people are okay.

When she turned that question on herself in late 2024, she realised she was lonely. That's when she met Magdalena, several decades her junior, and she began to rediscover the happiness that comes from human connection.

Through West London charity BEfriend – an organisation that supports those feeling isolated or lonely, particularly at old age – Effie was introduced to Magdalena whom she now meets once a week.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Effie tells a story of great friendship with her new 'Befriender'. She said: "When she walks in, I feel happier, it's brought me love and laughter, and that is what you need, especially when you get older."

She added: "Sometimes, you can feel a bit lonely, and I pick up the phone to have a little chat, but it's important to see people. There is only so long you can sit at home looking around at the pictures on the wall."

BEfriend was set up in 1994, and has operated as an independent charity since 2002, supporting over 3,200 people with over 650 volunteers. The charity works closely with Ealing and Hounslow councils, and the West London NHS Trust.

Volunteer 'Befrienders' provide a "simple human connection that can make a huge difference to the physical and mental wellbeing of someone who is feeling isolated" according to the charity. A volunteer visits their 'Befriendee' in person for one to two hours a week.

Effie sitting in her home (credit: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon).

This usually starts at their home, sometimes with a chat, a cup of tea, or sometimes the pair will go out for a walk, or visit a local café.

Magdalena says she always gives Effie the choice of how they spend their time. She said: "I always want Effie to decide what she wants to do during that time. It really is the most rewarding [thing] to see she's having a good time and looking forward to our meetings."

She added: "I told my friends and family that I can't believe even how [well] we were matched, because there is little things for us that we like to do. We like the same coffees the same way, we like going to cafés."

Effie, a former NHS nurse, told the LDRS that she has some family in the UK, and some friends locally, but she can't always see them. However, thanks to BeFriend, she now has a friend in Magdalena whom she sees weekly.

She said: "The first day in the beginning we sat and talked so we could get to know each other. She asked if I fancy a walk to a park, to see if there is a coffee shop.

"She's so gentle, because I'm quite slow, and she's always asking if I'm okay. It's important to check if someone is okay – I was a nurse so it's my psychology.

"I told my family that she's brilliant, I couldn't have asked for anybody better than her. Then, every week we do something different, we go for coffee, we go for a walk – it's not always sit down – but she plans nicely, she's always asking me what I want us to do today."

According to Age UK, more than two million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. Age UK says social prescribing for loneliness can go a long way in supporting people.

Effie and Magdalena having tea (credit: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)

A report from 2024 says: "People experiencing loneliness often do not recognise it themselves, and when they do, stigma and a lack of confidence and information can prevent them from accessing available services. New methods are therefore needed to identify lonely people and support them, without attracting the stigma associated with loneliness interventions."

Kevin Derbyshire, BeFriend Engagement Coordinator, told the LDRS: "Recent research has linked long-term loneliness to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, vulnerability to infections, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline and even shorter lifespan.

"It's estimated that more than 50,000 people across Ealing and Hounslow are affected by loneliness but BEfriend is working to change this – we know that simple human connection can make a huge difference to physical and mental wellbeing."

More information about BEfriend and how to become a volunteer is available on its website.