Community Network

Who we are

Making friends the Community Network way

Community Network is a charity and social enterprise combating social isolation and loneliness and their devastating effects on health and well-being. We do this by bringing people together on the phone and online to form Telephone Groups.

Our Telephone Groups give people the chance to socialise, share experiences and support each other. And, because  ‘meetings’ take place on the phone or online, they are easy to use and access – even for people who have mobility problems or a disability.

Telephone Groups are great fun for anyone who wants to talk and connect to other people. More importantly, they can make a real difference to people who are lonely or socially isolated.

Hear what our beneficiaries have to say...

“I was so depressed... but I took part in my telephone meeting and it changed everything”

“It is delightful, perfect. I don't know how to thank you. It's like a bit of sunshine in an older person's day.”

“When the phone goes and I answer it, it’s the only contact I have with the outer world”

“I have joined every Monday evening since it started. Now I look forward to the phone ringing at 7pm. I live in a block of flats and when you live by yourself you do get lonely” 

“I look forward to it every week. Because I'm on my own it's so nice to hear other people's voices. It's very interesting. Mainly because I'm on my own and it's someone to talk to. I can't believe how the hour flies by.”

“I used to get very low for days at a time; the weekly telephone chats with the other ladies is a lifeline for someone in my situation”

We involve and train volunteers to run our groups, as well as facilitating groups commissioned by other organisations, such as health charities. 

There is more information on our website about the services we offer and how peer support works to prevent and alleviate loneliness. 

Community Network’s day to day running costs are partly funded by the income from its teleconferencing service for other charities and not for profits, operated by The Phone Co-op.

There is a growing societal interest and awareness in the social impact of loneliness and isolation. This presents both opportunities and challenges to the charity as it moves forward in delivering effective and innovative services and projects, securing future funding and income to driving forward its strategy.