An elderly woman walking arm-in-arm with a young companion in a sunny park
FriendlyHour

Human connection for your loved ones at home

Trusted local companions who visit, check in, and keep your elderly parents socially active – at a fraction of traditional care costs.

DBS‑checked companions Fully insured visits Transparent reports

3.1 million people in England experience chronic loneliness. Your parent doesn't have to be one of them.

The problem

Loneliness is a silent health crisis

Millions of elderly people in the UK face isolation daily, with devastating effects on their health and wellbeing.

Days without contact

Many older adults live alone, often going days or weeks without meaningful conversation.

£5,000–£10,000+/month

Families spend thousands on traditional care, much of it just to make sure their parents are not alone.

Depression & decline

Loneliness increases the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and hospital visits – and it leaves families constantly worried.

Our solution

Companionship, not just care

FriendlyHour connects your loved one with carefully vetted local companions who visit regularly for conversation, light activities, and practical help – while you see exactly what's happening from anywhere.

Meaningful visits

Companions drop in for walks, tea and chat, games, appointments, and errands, based on your parent's interests.

Real‑time peace of mind

You get visit summaries, mood check‑ins, and flags for any concerns in a simple family dashboard.

Flexible and affordable

Choose how often someone visits, from 1–2 hours a week to daily check‑ins, without paying for 24/7 care.

Elderly man playing a board game with a young companion, both laughing

Visit complete ✓

Mood: Happy · Duration: 1h 30m

Getting started

How FriendlyHour works

Four simple steps to meaningful companionship for your loved one.

1

Tell us about your loved one

Answer a few questions about their health, mobility, personality, and routine so we understand what good support looks like.

2

Match with trusted companions

We suggest local, DBS‑checked companions who fit their needs, language, and interests. You approve who can visit.

3

Set visit schedule and focus

Decide how often they're visited and what to prioritise: conversation, outings, hobbies, appointments, or check‑ins.

4

Track every visit from anywhere

After each visit, you receive a short report with mood, activities, and any concerns – all in your secure family account.

Who it's for

Designed for modern families

Adult children living at a distance

"You can't be there every day, but you still want them to feel seen, heard, and supported."

Busy local family carers

"You carry the load already. Let companions handle regular social visits and light tasks so you can focus on the moments that matter."

Older adults who feel 'too well' for full-time care

"They're largely independent but lonely – they want connection and help with small things, not a rotating cast of carers."

Trust & safety

Safety first, always

Every measure in place so you can feel confident about who visits your loved one.

All companions are identity‑checked and DBS‑screened before their first visit.

Mandatory reference checks and interviews to assess warmth, reliability, and communication skills.

Clear visit logs, timing, and notes for every session, so you always know who was there and when.

UK‑based support team to handle issues or concerns quickly.

Data stored securely and managed in line with UK GDPR standards.

Unlike anonymous online 'friendship' offers and scams targeting older people, FriendlyHour gives you vetted, traceable, accountable support you can verify.

Features

Everything you need in one place

For families

  • Personalised plans and pricing
  • Shared access for siblings and relatives
  • Visit timeline and mood trends over time
  • Secure messaging with companions and support team

For older adults

  • Regular friendly faces instead of constant staff changes
  • Activities based on what they actually enjoy
  • Help with shopping, appointments, and local events

For companions

  • Clear visit briefs and checklists
  • Easy scheduling and route planning
  • Fair pay with support if issues arise
Testimonials

What families and companions say

Sarah - Daughter, London

"Mum went from barely leaving the house to weekly walks and coffee trips. I can see every visit summary from my phone, which has completely changed my stress levels."

Sarah

Daughter, London

James - Companion

"I love that I'm matched with people I genuinely click with. It feels more like visiting a grandparent than a client."

James

Companion

🇬🇧 Built in the UK for UK families🤝 Aligned with local befriending programmes
Pricing

Flexible visits. Clear pricing.

Pay only for the time and type of visits your loved one needs. No lock‑in contracts.

Transparent breakdown of what companions are paid and what funds platform safety, insurance, and support.

Light check‑ins

2–4 hours/month

From £18/hr

  • Weekly brief visits
  • Basic mood reports
  • Family dashboard access
Most popular

Weekly companionship

8–12 hours/month

From £16/hr

  • 2–3 visits per week
  • Activity-based sessions
  • Detailed visit reports
  • Companion matching

Enhanced support

16+ hours/month

From £14/hr

  • Daily or near-daily visits
  • Appointment accompaniment
  • Priority rebooking
  • Dedicated companion

Complex needs?

FAQ

Questions families often ask

Give them a companion, not just a carer

Answer a few quick questions and we'll show you a tailored companionship plan for your loved one – including suggested visit types and estimated monthly cost.

Check if we cover your loved one's area