Dorothy & Rosa

Dorothy, 89, lives alone with memory difficulties and depression. She's always been a sociable, warm-hearted person, but recently she'd begun to withdraw, rarely leaving the house, and struggling with her mood when the days stretched out quietly around her.

Dorothy was referred to The Link, and as always, our team took time to understand who she is, her personality, her sense of humour, what she needed from a friendship, before finding the right volunteer match. That process led us to Rosa, and it was clear almost immediately that we'd got it spot on.

Their visits are filled with chat and laughter from the moment Rosa arrives. She has even brought her young children along, knowing how much Dorothy loves being around little ones, a small detail that made a big difference. Rosa told us: "I always look forward to seeing her… she reminds me of my own Gran. On the way home one day I thought, I haven't laughed so much in ages."

Dorothy agrees: "We have a few laughs and I share my stories with her." For someone who had been retreating from the world, those visits have brought her back to herself a little. And that’s what we’re all about: Changing lives with friendship.

*Names changed to protect anonymity

Read more stories of friendship and connection below…