The Friendship Line
Program Overview
Sometimes, knowing there is someone who cares can make all the difference. The Friendship Line reaches out to older adults, offering support, reassurance, counseling, crisis intervention, abuse prevention, medication reminders, well-being checks, and information and referral. Our trained staff, volunteers, and students both receive calls and make outgoing calls, offering an ongoing connection for many depressed or lonely older adults.
Directed by Patrick Arbore, the Friendship Line is part of the IOA Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention (CESP), and provides year-round support to at-risk older adults.
What We Offer
- Crisis and Elder Abuse Support provided by phone 24-hours a day, 365 days a year
- Emotional Support, reassurance, information & referral, and outreach by phone
- CESP also offers group and individual grief counseling to people of all ages who have suffered a loss from suicide or a sudden or traumatic death.
- Volunteer opportunities
To learn more about grief and loss, counseling, or elderly suicide, please visit Counseling & Healing.
Eligibility & Fees
Any person aged 60 years or older, their family members, or any concerned friends can call the Friendship Line and speak with a caring staff member or volunteer. There is no fee for most Friendship Line services. Donations to support the work of the program are gratefully accepted.
Contact Information
For more information, simply call and introduce yourself to a Friendship Line counselor. If you desire to receive services, a staff member will discuss a plan to best meet your needs.
Phone: (415) 752-3778
Toll Free: (800) 971-0016
- Available 8am – 11pm daily for emotional support, reassurance, information & referral
- 24 hours for crisis and elder abuse support
To volunteer as a telephone counselor, please call Susan Lindeman at (415) 750-4180 x233, or email friendshipline@ioaging.org.
Learn more about our volunteer opportunities.
Patrick Arbore, Program Director
Susan Lindeman, Program Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator
Funding for the Friendship Line is provided in part by the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services.