Ayre's Quay · Sunderland
Matched Conversation, Alongside the Care You Provide, in Ayre's Quay
You know the people you support in Ayre's Quay better than almost anyone, including who genuinely lights up with a good conversation. The Natter Network helps give them more of it.
- Verified members, aged 65 and over
- Your phone number stays private
- No apps, no computer — just a phone call
- Two weeks free. Then £14.99/month, or £7.99 with Natter Support
This Is Where The Natter Network Comes In
This isn't about replacing anything you already provide. It's a simple, practical way to add a conversation someone genuinely looks forward to. Once matched, the person you support has someone reliable to talk to regularly, arranged around your existing care, not in competition with it.
- Someone to look forward to talking to each week
- Matched on what you enjoy, not picked at random
- Everyone is verified before an introduction is made
What they get from The Natter Network
Matched To What They Enjoy
Matched around what the person actually enjoys talking about. Fits alongside your existing care visits.
Fits Your Care Schedule
A vetted, friendly, reliable match through The Natter Network.
A Small Addition, A Big Lift
A small addition that can noticeably lift someone's week.
Companionship Close to Home in Ayre's Quay
Whether you're covering Grindon, Ford or elsewhere in Ayre's Quay, matched conversation through The Natter Network is straightforward to set up nearby.
About Ayre's Quay
Ayre's Quay sits in and around Sunderland.
Postcode area: SR4. Members join from every street in Ayre's Quay — you never need to travel, because every natter happens by phone.
Neighbouring areas we also cover: Grindon, Ford, Hastings Hill, Pallion, Cox Green.
Senior adults nearby — Wearside's Ageing City
Sunderland has around 19% of its 275,000 residents aged 65 or over, with post-industrial communities generating significant demand for affordable friendship and companionship and friendship and companionship.
Figures are rounded estimates for the wider area around Ayre's Quay, based on published population estimates rather than a count of Natter Network members.
How it works
- 1
Tell Us About the Person You Support
Share a little about their interests and personality.
- 2
We Make a Thoughtful Match
We find someone genuinely compatible, arranged around your care visits.
- 3
Conversation Begins
Regular, matched conversation becomes part of their week.
What Makes The Natter Network Different
Matching takes real interests and personality into account, so conversation feels natural, not just another appointment in the diary.
Membership
Setting up your profile is free. Once your profile and verification are finished, your first two weeks are free — cancel any time. Membership covers your calls, reminders and the checks that keep the Network trustworthy.
Standard
£14.99a month
Less than 50p a day — about the price of a cup of tea.
Natter Support
£7.99a month
If you receive Pension Credit — the very same service, under 27p a day.
Common questions
How do I suggest The Natter Network to someone I support?
Framing it as 'someone new and interesting to chat with' rather than a service for loneliness tends to land well with people who simply enjoy conversation.
Is it properly vetted?
Yes. Everyone matched through The Natter Network is checked, so you can recommend it with confidence.
How quickly can someone be matched?
It varies, but getting started only takes a few minutes of your time. Share a little about the person and we'll take it from there.
Does this replace social activities they already do?
Not at all. It's designed to add to their week, alongside whatever else they already enjoy.
Can matching take specific interests into account?
Yes. The more we know about what someone enjoys talking about, the better the match.
Other useful organisations
- Age UK: find support in your area
Search by postcode for your nearest Age UK branch and local services.
- The Silver Line Helpline
A free phone line, open day and night, offering friendship and support for people aged 55+.
- u3a: University of the Third Age
Find a local interest group to meet people and learn something new.
- Re-engage
A charity running social groups and call companions for older people.