Age UK | NHS Talking Therapies

Starting therapy can feel like a long and uncertain journey. To make sure adults aged 55 and over feel supported during this time, Kent and Medway Talking Therapies has partnered with Age UK to offer extra support.

Opening up about your mental health can feel daunting, particularly if you’re coping with change, loss, or health concerns later in life. We understand this, and we’re here to support you on your journey towards better mental and physical wellbeing.

If you are aged 55 or over and currently on the waiting list for talking therapies, Age UK may be able to offer additional wellbeing support while you wait. This can include regular telephone contact from a friendly, familiar voice, providing a safe space to talk about how you’re feeling or simply chat about everyday life.

Later life can bring many changes, such as retirement, bereavement, long‑term health conditions, or changes in family roles. These experiences can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, exhaustion, stress, or low mood. Whatever you’re feeling, you are not alone, and your emotions are valid.

What support does Age UK offer?

The Age UK befriending service provides an extra layer of support alongside your talking therapy journey. Depending on your circumstances, this may include supportive calls while you are waiting to begin therapy.

Age UK will also be in touch once your therapy has finished. After discharge, you may be offered up to two follow‑up calls, designed to help you feel supported at the end of therapy. Some people report feeling a sense of uncertainty or being “adrift” after their final session, and these calls aim to support wellbeing and help you connect with other helpful services.

Through this support, you can expect:

Regular calls at a time that suits you
A friendly, supportive conversation
A safe space to talk about your wellbeing or everyday life

These calls are not a replacement for therapy, but they can help you feel more connected, reduce feelings of isolation, boost confidence, and remind you that you don’t have to manage everything on your own.

Here’s what some of our clients said:

“My telephone befriender is very kind and understanding. I look forward to our weekly calls and feel that I am able to discuss how I’m feeling in a safe and non-judgmental environment.”
“I feel really positive for the first time in a long while about the future and getting support with my mental wellbeing.”
“It is nice to have a weekly call from Age UK Thanet and to have someone to keep me updated and answer any questions I may have. I think without the weekly calls my anxiety and depression would have escalated.”
“Thank you, Age UK Thanet, it finally feels like someone cares.”

Talking therapies in Kent and Medway

NHS talking therapies are confidential, effective treatments delivered by trained and accredited practitioners. They can help you better understand and cope with your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, whatever challenges you may be facing.

How to access this support

To access Age UK’s weekly telephone support, you must first refer yourself to Kent and Medway Talking Therapies. You can do this by:

Using Limbic, our online referral assistant

Calling 0333 091 0414

Once you have made a referral, you will be eligible to receive regular calls from Age UK. If you need help with the referral process, Age UK partners across Kent and Medway are also available to support you.

At Kent and Medway Talking Therapies, working in partnership with Age UK, we are here to help you feel supported, connected, and cared for while you start and complete therapy.