Friendship Line

Are you feeling lonely, isolated or depressed? Give the Friendship Line a call – because sometimes we all need a friend.

888.670.1360

The Friendship Line is California’s largest warm line, and has never gone unanswered since it was founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore. Dr. Arbore’s observation that “connection to others binds us to life” led him to establish the Friendship Line, which provides phone calls that offer emotional support and friendly conversation.

Institute on Aging’s staff and volunteers respond to more than 11,000 inbound and outbound calls per month. The nationally-known Friendship Line is a signature program of Institute on Aging’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief-Related Services, and is accredited by the American Association of Suicidology.

Call us Toll-Free in California: 888.670.1360

For Volunteer or Intern Opportunities, contact Aleks Bartlett at abartlett@ioaging.org

This program serving the community is funded by the following:

  • The California Department of Aging

  • City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services

Program Services

Friendship Line

  • Emotional support in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Korean
  • Specialized support for adults ages 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers

Center for Elder Suicide Prevention and Grief Services

  • Virtual grief and bereavement support groups

Related Resources

This Saturday, we’re joining the “Caring for Caregivers” series—hosted by KALW!

Tune in for an important conversation about caregiving, support, and the challenges families face every day. We’re proud to be part of this meaningful event.

🎟️ Reserve your spot by clicking the link in our bio! 

#CaregiverSupport #CaringForCaregivers #IOACares #CommunitySupport
Caregiver Coaching Tip!

When emotions run high, staying calm can feel impossible—but it’s one of the most powerful tools you have. In this tip, Alex shares 3 practical ways to reset, reframe, and recharge as a caregiver.

🔹 Pause before reacting
🔹 Focus on the emotion, not the words
🔹 Make time for yourself & ask for help

Because caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint.

#CaregiverSupport #DementiaCare #AlzheimersSupport #IOACares #CaregiverWellness #Companioa
🏳️‍🌈 Pride at IOA

Last week, we raised the Pride flag at our headquarters to kick off Pride Month—a visible reminder of our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, dignity, and respect for all.

At IOA, we believe aging with pride means being seen, supported, and celebrated—exactly as you are.

💙 To our LGBTQ+ community: You belong here.

#PrideMonth #InclusiveAging #IOACares #AgingWithPride #LGBTQSupport