June & Georgia's Story

'I have found a lovely friend in Georgia, we get on like a house on fire.'

Whilst tidying away some paperwork, June came across a flyer for Age UK Hertfordshire’s Befriending Service, and wanted to find out more about it.
She got in touch with our team member, Sam, who, after the initial chat, found out that June was feeling very low and isolated at home since losing her husband 13 years ago. Sam also found out that Jean wasn’t able to get out of the house much, meaning she rarely saw anyone.

Although June had a son, he lives in London and is very busy, so she only saw him from time to time. June wasn’t always isolated, as she used to attend her local lunch club at her church, but since she has had psoriasis, she has lost all of her confidence to leave her home. After some careful matching, Sam introduced June to Volunteer Befriender, Georgia, and they hit it off right away. Since June 2019, Georgia visits June every Thursday to chat and to check how she is doing and if June is in need of anything that week.

While COVID-19 meant that they were not able to see each other for a few weeks, this didn’t stop Georgia calling as their friendship grew. Georgia said: “I am delighted with the match, we have got on so well and never run out of conversation. June is such a funny lady, we always have a laugh.” June has been ever so grateful for being matched with Georgia, saying: “I have found a lovely friend in Georgia, we get on like a house on fire.”

She continues: “I really enjoys visits from Georgia. Time flies by when she visits and often we realise that over two hours have gone by before we know it!”  With government restrictions changing, Georgia always lets June know that if they are not physically able to see each other, she will always be there on the phone.