Shield Row · Durham
Matched Conversation, Alongside the Care You Provide, in Shield Row
You know the people you support in Shield Row 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. The Natter Network matches the person you support with someone based on shared interests, so conversation feels natural and enjoyable from the start.
- 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 Shield Row
Across Shield Row, including areas like South Stanley, High Urpeth and White-le-Head, it's easy to arrange a great conversation match through The Natter Network close to where the people you support live.
About Shield Row
Shield Row sits in and around Stanley, in Durham.
Postcode area: DH9. Members join from every street in Shield Row — you never need to travel, because every natter happens by phone.
Neighbouring areas we also cover: South Stanley, High Urpeth, White-le-Head, New Kyo, Pontop.
Senior adults nearby — Mining Heritage, Ageing Now
County Durham has an ageing post-industrial population of 530,000, with around 20% aged 65+, and significant demand for affordable friendship and companionship across its former mining towns.
Figures are rounded estimates for the wider area around Shield Row, 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
Can matching take specific interests into account?
Yes. The more we know about what someone enjoys talking about, the better the match.
How often would they speak to their match?
As often as suits them: flexible around their existing routine and your care visits.
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.
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.