Companionship care vs befriending services

The key difference in companionship care vs befriending is who provides it and how. Befriending is usually free, run by charities, and delivered by volunteers through a weekly call or visit. Companionship care is a paid service from a care provider, so you choose how often and how long visits are, and the companion can also help with outings, shopping and light housework.

Both can make a real difference to an older person who is lonely. Many families use both. This guide compares them so you can decide what fits.

At a glance

• Befriending: free or low-cost, volunteer-led, usually a weekly phone call or short visit. Waiting lists are common.
• Companionship care: paid, typically about £32–£34 an hour through an agency in England (2026), at times you choose.
• Befrienders don’t usually do practical tasks; companions can help with outings, errands, meals and light housework.
• Age UK offers a free Telephone Friendship Service and The Silver Line Helpline (0800 4 70 80 90, 24 hours).
• Neither includes personal care such as washing or medication.

What is a befriending service?

Befriending services match an older person with a volunteer who calls or visits regularly for a friendly chat. They’re usually run by national charities, local charities, faith groups or councils.

Common types include:

• Telephone befriending: a regular call, often weekly, from the same volunteer.
• Face-to-face befriending: a volunteer visits at home or meets for a coffee.
• Group befriending: social groups, tea parties or lunch clubs.
• Helplines: a number to call any time for a chat.

For example, Age UK runs a free Telephone Friendship Service with weekly calls from volunteers, and The Silver Line Helpline on 0800 4 70 80 90, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (Age UK, September 2026). Age UK’s Advice Line (0800 678 1602, 8am to 7pm every day) can also point you to local services.

Strengths of befriending

• Free or very low cost.
• A genuine friendship with someone who has chosen to volunteer.
• Telephone befriending works well for people who find visitors tiring.

Limitations

• Visits or calls are usually short and weekly at most.
• Volunteers can’t usually help with practical tasks, and often can’t take people out.
• There may be a waiting list, and eligibility criteria vary.
• If a volunteer moves on, there may be a gap.

What is companionship care?

Companionship care is a paid service from a home care provider. A companion visits at agreed times, for as long as you book, and spends time with your relative doing the things they enjoy and need.

A companion can:

• chat, play games, reminisce and share hobbies;
• go out for walks, trips to the café, library or place of worship;
• accompany your relative to appointments;
• help with shopping, errands and light housework;
• prepare a meal and eat together.

See our companionship care guide for more on how it works.

Strengths of companionship care

• You choose the days, times and length of visits.
• The provider arranges cover if the usual companion is away.
• Practical help and outings are included.
• If needs grow, a CQC-registered provider can add personal care.

Limitations

• It costs money: typically about £32–£34 an hour through an agency in England (2026), though many charge between £26 and £38.
• Companionship-only services aren’t regulated by CQC, so check vetting and training.

Companionship care vs befriending: side-by-side

As of 2026, prices are typical for England and vary by region. Sources vary, and prices depend on care needs, provider and postcode. Our companionship care cost guide goes into more detail.

Which is right for your relative?

Befriending may be enough if your relative:

• is fairly independent and gets out on their own;
• mainly wants someone to talk to;
• enjoys phone calls;
• has family nearby for practical help.

Companionship care may suit them better if they:

• have lost confidence going out alone;
• need someone to go with them to appointments or the shops;
• want company more than once a week;
• need some help around the house;
• have family who live far away and want reliable, regular contact. See caring for an elderly parent who lives alone.

Using both

Many families combine them. A weekly befriending call, a lunch club and one or two companionship visits a week can make a real difference. The companion can even help your relative get to community groups they wouldn’t manage alone.

How to find befriending services

• Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 can signpost to local services.
• Your local council: the adult social care or community services team can tell you what’s available locally, often through a community directory.
• The GP practice: ask about social prescribing, where a link worker connects people with local groups and activities.
• Libraries, faith groups and community centres often run social groups.

Local guides: London

Can you get help paying for companionship care?

Attendance Allowance (£76.70 or £114.60 a week in 2026/27) isn’t means-tested and can be spent on a companion (DWP).

Your relative’s local council must assess their needs if they appear to need care. Eligibility outcomes include maintaining relationships and using community facilities, so isolation linked to an illness or impairment can count. The council may fund support, sometimes as a direct payment. See our guide to direct payments.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between befriending and companionship care?

Befriending is usually free, run by charities, and delivered by volunteers through regular calls or visits. Companionship care is a paid service from a care provider, with visits at times you choose and practical help such as outings, shopping and light housework included. Many families use both.

Are befriending services free?

Most are free, especially those run by national and local charities, such as Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service. Some community schemes, lunch clubs or group activities may ask for a small contribution. There can be waiting lists, and eligibility varies between schemes.

Can a befriender help with shopping or appointments?

Usually not. Most befriending schemes focus on conversation and companionship, and volunteers may not be allowed to help with tasks or take people out. Some schemes do offer outings. If your relative needs practical help, paid companionship care is usually a better fit.

How much does companionship care cost compared to befriending?

Befriending is usually free. As of 2026, companionship care through an agency in England typically costs about £32–£34 an hour, often with a one-hour minimum. Weekend and bank holiday visits usually cost more. Always ask for a written quote.

Is there a free helpline for lonely older people?

Yes. The Silver Line Helpline, part of Age UK, is free and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 0800 4 70 80 90. Age UK’s Advice Line (0800 678 1602, 8am to 7pm every day) can also point you to local support.

Sources

• Age UK: Advice Line, Silver Line and Telephone Friendship Service
• CQC: personal care as a regulated activity
• SCIE: Care Act eligibility
• DWP: benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027
• Match with Care: companion care costs (2026)
• Birdie: average private home care rates in the UK (April 2026)

This guide is general information, not financial, legal or medical advice. Last reviewed September 2026.

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 15 October 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.