If you have been thinking about booking a companionship call but something keeps holding you back, you are not alone. Picking up the phone to talk to someone new can feel like a big step, especially if the quiet has been going on for a while.
Maybe you are wondering who will call, what you are supposed to say, or whether it will feel awkward. Those are completely normal worries, and this guide is here to gently answer every one of them.
At Open Ear Foundation, also known as The Listening Circle, companionship calls are free, confidential and open to anyone facing loneliness. Here is exactly what happens, from the moment you book to the moment you say goodbye.
Booking your call: easier than you might expect
Everything starts on our booking page, where you choose a day and time that suit you. There are no long forms to battle through and no cost at any point, now or ever.
You simply pick a slot, share a few basic details so we know how to reach you, and that is it. The call comes to you, so there is nothing to download, prepare or rehearse.
If anything about booking feels confusing, you can always email us at support@openearfoundation.org and we will happily help you arrange your call.
Phone or video: the choice is yours
Some people love seeing a friendly face on screen. Others feel much more comfortable curled up in a favourite chair with just a warm voice for company.
Both are absolutely fine. You choose phone or video when you book, and you can switch for future calls if you change your mind.
The person who calls you
Every companionship call is made by a trained Open Ear Foundation volunteer. They are kind, everyday people who give their time because they believe nobody should have to feel alone.
Volunteers are trained to listen well, to be patient and to let the conversation go wherever you want it to go. There is no script, no checklist and no judgement, just genuine interest in you.
At the agreed time, your phone rings or your video call begins. Your volunteer will introduce themselves, ask how you are and take things from there at whatever pace feels right. Within a few minutes, most people find the nerves quietly fade.
If you would like to know more about who we are and why we do this, our about page tells the story of The Listening Circle.
What do you talk about? Honestly, anything
This is the question that worries first-time callers most, and the answer is wonderfully simple: whatever you like.
A befriending call is simply a friendly chat between two people. Some callers arrive with plenty to say, while others need a little warming up. Your volunteer is comfortable either way and will happily get things going with a gentle question or two.
People talk about all sorts of things, such as:
- How the week has really been
- Memories, family and old friends
- Telly, books, football, gardening or the weather
- Worries that feel too heavy to carry alone
- Small everyday moments that nobody else has time to hear
There is no right or wrong topic, and silence is fine too. A companionable pause with a kind person on the line can feel surprisingly comforting.
Private, gentle and free of pressure
Feeling safe matters, so it helps to know exactly where you stand before your first call.
What you say stays private
Your conversations are confidential. Your volunteer is there for you, not to report back on you, and everything you share is treated with care and respect.
You set the pace
You never have to answer anything you would rather not. You can steer the chat, change the subject or simply listen for a while. If you want to end the call early, that is always okay, and nobody will ever push you to book another.
Companionship, not counselling
Our calls offer warm human company, not therapy, counselling or medical advice. Volunteers will never diagnose you or tell you what to do. If it sounds like professional support might help, they may gently suggest speaking to your GP, but the choice always stays with you.
How regular calls grow into a real connection
One call can brighten a day. Regular calls can change how a whole week feels.
Loneliness is not a small thing. Research has linked chronic loneliness with poorer health and lower well-being, and it has even been compared to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Kind, consistent human contact is one of the gentlest ways to push back against it.
Many people choose to book a call at the same time each week. Over time, a familiar voice starts to feel like a friend. You remember each other’s stories, pick up where you left off and find yourself with something warm to look forward to.
There is no pressure to commit to anything. Book one call and see how it feels. If it helps, book another. If you have questions first, you are always welcome to get in touch with our friendly team.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to talk about my feelings?
Not at all. You can chat about anything you like, and plenty of calls are full of everyday conversation, shared interests and laughter.
How much does a companionship call cost?
Nothing. Every call is completely free, whether you book a single chat or make it a regular part of your week.
What if I get nervous and want to cancel?
That is perfectly okay, and you can book again whenever you feel ready. Nerves before a first call are very common, and they usually melt away within the first few minutes.
If you ever feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999, or contact Samaritans free on 116 123, any time of day or night.
Whenever you feel ready, we would love to hear your voice. You can book a free companionship call today, read more about our service or contact us with any questions at all. And if you have a listening ear of your own to share, you might enjoy volunteering with us. You matter, and there is a kind voice waiting to meet you.