The Link is an easy to use website and app combination which allows connections across generations of those with and also without similar interests, acting as a vehicle to bring together older and younger generations. We aim to change perceptions, create significant relationships and ultimately make an impact on the shaping of society; one in which social isolation is greatly reduced. To read more about the project click here!

Visit our contact us page here!

Students can commit to as little or as much immersion as they chose. You can take the buddy route, which aims to foster long term and meaningful relationship between an elderly person and a student including frequent (weekly/fortnightly/monthly) phone calls, visits and trips. Equally, the events page provides students with a range of ongoing events and opportunities to get involved on a casual basis. This may be a great way to test the water before making a commitment to a buddy!

Our key aim is to reduce loneliness as a problem, which we have recognised as a crucial issue amongst the older generation, with over 1.9million people in the UK feeling ignored or invisible (according to Age UK). But also surprisingly high and prevalent within the student community; 18-24 year olds are 4 times as likely to feel lonely ‘most of the time’ as those aged over 70. Through using a digital platform we are aiming to utilise the expanding technology to reach those who perhaps are most difficult to get in contact with, as well as making it an accessible and easy process to encourage participation. As Angenent (2016) suggests, technology can certainly be used to cure loneliness.

We aim to provide several options for you if you are feeling sad or lonely to help and support you. One way is to get involved in our buddying schemes to gain a long term, meaningful friendship between yourself and a student or older person. Create a profile, connect with others and build friendships Get involved! Visit our events page to see what activities are running near you, avaliable for you to participate in or volunteer at. If you are struggling and need someone to talk to we have plenty of further advice sites, forums and services. Click here to see our further advice page.

For both the students and the older participants it is completely free to sign up, use the app and the website. Some costs for participation in activities may incur a very minor fee but generally we aim to cover these costs and well as endeavour to keep them free and accessible for all to get highest participation possible. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to accessing the community and making friendships.

Visit our contact us page to get in touch. We aim to reply quickly to any questions or queries relating to our service that you have.

At The Link, we aim to make the website and app as easy and accessible as possible. Through initially rolling out our buddy scheme through care homes as intermediaries their assistance to the older person takes the pressure off them to be proficient with technology. Profile’s may be created through an intermediary to log someone onto our system, this alleviates pressure on the older person to make the profile themselves. Our system then creates a match with a student who will be able to make contact via phone, or visit face to face through the care home. Equally there is an opportunity for the students to create E-Postcards which will be delivered in physical form to the older person, to form a more tangible record of their friendship