Request a Buddy

Would you like receive regular phone calls from a caring volunteer?

The Telephone Buddy Program connects older adults with friendly, compassionate volunteers whose goal is to provide companionship, a listening ear, and conversation about shared interests.

All Telephone Buddy volunteers are carefully screened and receive training to help them provide this helpful service for you.

Adults age 60 and older are welcome to apply for a Telephone Buddy. Before being matched with a volunteer, each applicant participates in a brief screening process to ensure the program is a good fit for their needs.

How It Works

After your initial screening, we will introduce you to your Telephone Buddy and let you know when to expect your first phone call.

Together, you and your volunteer will choose a regular day and time that works well for both of you.

Following each conversation, the Telephone Buddy provides a brief report to the Colorado Gerontological Society documenting that the call took place. If you mention a need for services or community resources during a conversation, your Telephone Buddy can notify our staff, who will contact you and help connect you with appropriate programs or services.

As part of the program, enrollees agree to participate in a well-being survey and a social connectedness survey. The purpose of the surveys are part of our grant to show that volunteers do make a difference in your life, as an older adult. The survey is administered every six months or when you no longer want to use the services of the volunteer.

Ready to Get Started?

Complete the Telephone Buddy application, and we’ll contact you after reviewing your information: Request a Buddy.

Want to Learn More?

Mental health support is just one of the ways the Telephone Buddy program can be beneficial. Watch as Colorado seniors discuss how telephone buddies has been helpful for them: