Volunteer Story: Steph and Mo’s Weekly Calls

At Adopt a Grandparent, we often talk about the difference a regular video call can make to an older person’s week.

Steph’s story is a lovely reminder that the impact can be just as powerful for the volunteer too.

Steph, a lawyer at Herrington Carmichael LLP, began volunteering with Adopt a Grandparent earlier this year after learning more about the charity through her firm’s sponsorship. For Steph, the decision to get involved felt personal.

Before qualifying as a lawyer, she worked as a carer in an assisted living home for older people. It was work that stayed with her. The conversations, the stories, the humour and the chance to spend time with people from a different generation left a lasting impression.

Although Steph’s career later moved into law, her commitment to supporting older and vulnerable people continued. It is also part of what led her to specialise in private client and Court of Protection work.

When the opportunity came to volunteer with Adopt a Grandparent, Steph saw it as a chance to reconnect with the kind of conversations she had valued so much during her time in care.

Steph was matched with Mo, and the pair now speak every week through the secure Adopt a Grandparent platform.

Their video calls have become a regular part of the week for both of them. Mo has shared stories about her career as a nurse, her family, and many memories from her life. Steph was also lucky enough to speak with Mo around her 95th birthday, hearing all about her plans for the day.

Over time, their conversations have grown into something relaxed and familiar. They talk about anything and everything, from family and memories to day-to-day life and the simple pleasure of having a proper catch-up.

Steph recently attended an event where David Annand, Head of Operations and Fundraising at Adopt a Grandparent, was speaking about the charity’s work. It gave her the chance to reflect on the impact the organisation has had on her personally and to share how grateful she is to be part of the programme.

One of the things that makes Adopt a Grandparent so special is that the relationships are never one-way.

Volunteers offer consistency, companionship and a friendly face each week. In return, they often receive stories, perspective, advice, laughter and a friendship they had not expected.

Steph and Mo’s friendship is a beautiful example of that.

Steph now looks forward to every Thursday, when she has her weekly video call with Mo, and the pair are even planning to meet in person for tea.

For anyone thinking about volunteering, Steph’s experience shows how much can come from one regular conversation.

A little time each week can become something deeply valued by both people on the call.

If you would like to become an Adopt a Grandparent volunteer, we would love to hear from you - https://adoptagrandparent.org.uk/become-a-volunteer