Mavis’ Story: How befriending has brightened her world

At 86, Mavis faces the daily challenges that come with age. A kind, resilient woman, she’s been in contact with Deafblind UK for over two years now, and every Tuesday, she looks forward to her regular phone call with Lexi, her telephone befriender.

Their bond, as well as the Helpline team at Deafblind UK, has become a vital part of Mavis’ life, filling their chats with warmth, laughter, and the assurance that she’s not alone.

For Mavis, getting through the day can feel like an uphill battle. She told us how sometimes getting out of bed can feel like a huge task: “I sit there for half an hour and think, ‘Come on! You’ve got to move now, you’ve got to get dressed.’ I urge myself on, but it can feel difficult. Then, suddenly, I think, ‘Get up, get up, quick!’ And I do.”

Some days the small tasks like feeding the cat (where he makes a mess on the floor with his kibble) to preparing breakfast can be tricky due to low vision, with many daily tasks, needing careful navigation. Mavis uses a triangular trolley to help her move safely around the kitchen, but mishaps can still happen. “Sometimes I misjudge it, and the meal ends up on the floor,” she says, with a chuckle. Yet, her determination and sense of humour shine through as she recounts her daily jobs.

Mavis finds opening her prepackaged medications fiddly, and when a tiny tablet slips out of her grasp, it becomes “a game of hide-and-seek” with her walker when they ping across the room. But, as with all things, Mavis manages to keep her spirits up.

Getting out and about

Leaving the house can seem like a big task, being deafblind and struggling with her legs, she says, it’s become a big barrier, and her fear of falling often keeps her indoors. “I can’t really get to the shops down the road, and I worry I won’t be able to make it to my lunch clubs,” she admits. Her son checks in on her, but some days, she finds herself saying, “I’ve just been sitting here staring at the wall.” which is why having Lexi as a befriender is so special and important. She’s contemplating getting a motorised scooter, but the logistics seem overwhelming when deciding which to buy and where to store it, something Deafblind UK are here to support her with.

Deafblind UK feels like a lifeline

Deafblind UK reached out to Mavis when they discovered she was struggling with her vision getting worse due to cataracts. From there, Deafblind UK introduced her to their services, offering her a way to connect with others. Soon, Mavis had her first telephone befriender Lexi, when she came into her life, everything changed for the better.

The power of social connection

Mavis lights up when she talks about her weekly calls with Lexi. “I don’t get many phone calls, just the odd one or two from people I meet at my lunch clubs. But I look forward to Lexi’s call because I know she’s genuinely interested in what I’m doing. Sometimes she can’t stop me from talking. And I love to hear her giggle!”

For Mavis, these calls are more than just conversation; they’re a lifeline. “It’s lovely because I know I can say anything to her. I don’t feel like I’m wasting my time,” she shares, her voice full of gratitude. Lexi, in turn, feels the same: “It feels like my week hasn’t started until I call Mavis on Tuesdays.”

The Impact on Mental Wellbeing

Loneliness can weigh heavily on anyone, especially those who are deafblind. But for Mavis, the connection she has with Lexi has made all the difference. “I always look forward to our calls. Sometimes I’m on the phone with friends, and I get bored with the same talk, and I think, ‘Oh, will you hurry up!’ but I never do that with Lexi.”

Mavis reflects on her life before befriending and now she knows she’s in a better place. “It’s nice to know there’s someone there. Even if it’s just calling Deafblind UK for a chat, I know they’ll always pick up.”

Staying positive

Despite the many challenges she faces—her health, her mobility, her isolation—Mavis remains remarkably positive. “I’ve got quite a happy nature, so I don’t get depressed too often,” she says. Even in the face of tragedy, like the loss of her brother, Mavis managed to pull through with the help of Lexi and social groups. “I’m quite a happy little soul,” she adds, with her shining character.

Art and Rediscovery

When Lexi first started speaking to Mavis, she could tell Mavis was feeling bored and disconnected from the world. For example, before befriending Mavis was asked by her neighbour if she drew recently she replied, “No, I’ve been doing a jigsaw puzzle that’s been getting on my nerves!” If I get it done it’ll be a miracle, in fact, I’ll probably just scoop it all back in the box”. But soon, Deafblind UK helped her rediscover her love for drawing, Mavis had gone back to university in her 60s to study art and had a passion for it that’s now been reignited. Showing how sharing our passion and with some encouragement, we can find our groove once again!

Lexi and Deafblind UK helped Mavis find a local drawing class, and soon, Mavis was back to creating beautiful charcoal art. “I drew a fox, and everyone loved it,” she recalls proudly. The class gave her a sense of accomplishment, and even though her legs and deafblindness can make it tricky for her to attend, the experience brought her a renewed sense of joy and passion.

Mavis’ story is just one of many. Her life has been enriched by the act of connection—a phone call, a listening ear, a shared laugh. Yet, there are many others like her, waiting for someone to brighten their days.

Volunteering as a befriender might seem like a small act, but it’s one that can make a huge difference. You could be the person on the other end of the phone, offering comfort, companionship, and a reason to look forward to tomorrow. As Mavis says, “It’s lovely because I know I can say anything to Lexi.”

If you have a little time each week, you could help someone like Mavis feel heard, valued, and less alone. Deafblind UK is always looking for kind, patient individuals to join their befriending program. Your support could be the highlight of someone’s week, the call that brightens their day, just as Lexi has done for Mavis.

Because in the end, it’s about more than just a phone call. It’s about connection, empathy, and making sure no one feels forgotten.

Join Deafblind UK as a phone or email befriender

If Mavis’ story has sparked your interest, then you can sign up to become a volunteer today. Your time and kindness could transform someone’s life. To find out more about how you can get involved with Deafblind UK by volunteering get in touch using the contact details below, or click here.

Call 0800 132 320

Text 079035 72885

Email [email protected]