About Silver Companion CIC
A community-rooted befriending service born from a simple belief — that no older person in Swansea should feel alone.
Our Story
Silver Companion CIC was founded in Swansea with one clear purpose: to tackle the loneliness and social isolation experienced by older people in our community. We know that loneliness is not just an emotional experience — it has serious consequences for physical and mental health, and it affects thousands of older people across Wales every day.
Our services include telephone befriending — a simple, powerful act of picking up the phone and having a real conversation. We added a letter writing service, because there is something uniquely meaningful about receiving a handwritten letter. Something to hold, to re-read, to treasure. Personal contact is very important so we also have face-to-face befriending, so that volunteers can visit older people at home and share genuine in-person companionship. By offering compassionate companionship, we aim to bring comfort, dignity, and renewed sense of belonging to older people in our communities.
As a Community Interest Company, every penny we raise goes back into the service. We are not driven by profit — we are driven by people.
Our Mission
“To reduce loneliness and social isolation among older people in Swansea by providing warm, consistent, and compassionate befriending through telephone calls, handwritten letters, and face-to-face visits.”
Our Values
Compassion
We lead with empathy and warmth in everything we do — from how we train our volunteers to how we speak with the people we support.
Consistency
Loneliness is eased by reliability. Our befrienders show up, week after week, because trust is built through presence.
Community
We are rooted in Swansea. We understand the local community, and we believe that the answer to loneliness lies within it.
Dignity
Every person we support is treated with the utmost respect. We celebrate their stories, their wisdom, and their individuality.
Inclusivity
Our service is free and open to all older people who need it, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance.
Integrity
As a Community Interest Company, we are transparent, accountable, and committed to using every resource in service of our community.
Our CIC Status
Silver Companion is registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in England and Wales. This legal structure means we are formally committed to operating for the benefit of the community — not shareholders. Our assets and profits are locked for community benefit, and we publish annual reports to demonstrate our impact and accountability.
CIC status gives our supporters, partners, and the people we serve confidence that Silver Companion will always act in the public interest.
Meet the person behind Silver Companion
Driven by a passion for community and a belief that no older person should feel alone.
Chenjerai Sibanda
With over 10 years experience in social care, i have had the privilege of supporting older adults and vulnerable people, many of whom experienced loneliness and social isolation. Seeing the positive impact that a simple conversation and genuine companionship can have inspired me to establish Silver Companion CIC. My vision is to ensure that no older person feels alone, by providing compassionate befriending services that promote connection, wellbeing and dignity.
Want to be part of the story?
Whether you'd like to volunteer, refer someone, or simply find out more — we'd love to hear from you.