Pen- and phone-pal scheme

Contact made through the V for Life pen- and phone-pal scheme might lead to close friendships being formed, or offer reassurance that there is someone you could approach to discuss a particular topic or interest. Quite simply, the scheme is there for you to use as you wish.

Details of the scheme are in the application form, and you will see that it works in a very straightforward way. If you choose to take part then the details you supply to us on the enclosed form will be added to the scheme database and circulated to other participants.

In return, you will then receive details of the other participants. Updates are currently sent out three to four times per year. We can assure you that your details will not be used for any other purpose or circulated to any third party. Furthermore, your details will be deleted automatically after 1 year, or if you decide to leave the scheme.

It you decide to participate, it really is down to you how you use the scheme. Naturally the more information you supply leads to a greater chance of you being contacted by someone who shares the same interests. However, we recommend that you only provide information that you are comfortable about other people knowing.

We hope that you will find the scheme interesting and, if you decide to take part, that you will then enjoy being in touch with like-minded people throughout the UK.

As you may be aware, VfL is a registered charity – reliant on the generosity of people like you. From 1 October 2023, we have taken the difficult decision to limit membership of the scheme to VfL supporters. Membership is available at £3, £5 or £7 per month. By becoming a supporter, you’ll be helping to fund key services such as our grants to help independent living, highly subsidised publications, and our campaigns and advocacy work. Click here for more information.

Pen- and phone-pal scheme application form