_{“It’s anything a grandchild would do!”}

The UK's first intergenerational companionship & helper platform.

What is AIBŌ?

AIBŌ is a platform that matches older people with young people (18-30), known as 'Buddies', in their local area for ad-hoc companionship & practical help. This could be anything from light household tasks and running errands to games & fun outings, but most importantly, it's about genuine companionship. AIBŌ is NOT your typical elderly support service - it's about having fun, learning from another generation & feeling young again.

_{How it works?}

Getting started is simple.

_{Tell us about your loved one.}

_{Share a few details about their personality, interests, and career, so we can really understand who they are and what kind of Buddy would suit them best.}

_{We suggest local Buddies.}

_{Based on what you’ve told us, we’ll recommend vetted young people nearby (Buddies), matched by location and fit, to make sure it feels natural from the start.}

_{Free first meet-up.}

_{Organise a free meet-up with Buddies so you, your loved one and the Buddy can see if it feels right, and only then decide if they’d like to go ahead. No commitments.}

_{Start visits.}

_{Once everyone’s happy, visits begin. Your Buddy provides flexible companionship and support each week, while keeping the family updated with messages and photos.}

The Benefits.

For loved ones.

Youthful energy & fun: Buddies bring laughter, conversation, and a fresh outlook that keeps life interesting.

‍Real companionship: Genuine friendship, not formality - someone to talk, laugh, and share stories with.

‍Sense of purpose: They get to pass on wisdom, experiences, and feel needed again.

‍Confidence & independence: Light support with everyday tasks helps them stay active and self-reliant.

‍Reduced loneliness: Regular visits from a Buddy your loved one can get to really know, creates connection and joy week to week.

‍Feeling young at heart: Time with younger people naturally keeps spirits high, and minds engaged.

For families.

Peace of mind: Know that someone kind and trustworthy is spending quality time with your loved one.

‍Trusted connection: You’re matched with Buddies who truly get to know your family and keep in touch.

‍Regular updates: Get photos, messages, and real-time updates, so you always feel in the loop.

‍Reduced guilt & stress: Balancing work, kids, and caring can be hard; AIBŌ helps lighten the load.

‍Flexible support: Arrange visits directly with the Buddy, and have complete flexibility, only paying for hours used.

‍Happier loved ones: See your parent or grandparent smiling again, doing the things they love with someone they enjoy.

What Buddies can help with...

Anything a grandchild would do, just with a bit more fun!

Companionship & conversation.

Good company never gets old. Buddies bring warmth, laughter, and genuine friendship, whether it's chatting over a cuppa, watching a favourite show, or sharing stories that deserve to get passed on.

Outings & walks.

It’s not just about getting out, it’s about having fun while doing it! Buddies can join your loved one for a stroll, a coffee at the café, a wander round the shops, or even a cheeky trip to the pub.

Tech help & digital confidence.

From video calls to playlists, Buddies make tech feel easy again. They’ll help your loved one connect with friends, master the tablet, or finally work out what that mysterious “app update” means.

Light household help

A helping hand around the home, this could include emptying the dishwasher, watering plants, or giving things a quick tidy. It’s the kind of help that makes the house feel cared for, or just a quick spruce up!

Shopping & errands.

Whether it’s writing shopping lists, or popping to the local shops, Buddies make errands simple, not stressful.

Hobbies, games & crafts.

Knitting, painting, puzzles, music, or even a friendly game of cards - Buddies bring enthusiasm and ideas to keep creativity flowing and minds active.

Memory & story projects.

Every life has stories worth telling. Buddies help capture memories, organise old photos, or record special moments to share with family.

Mealtime company.

Meals are made for company. Buddies can share lunch or tea, lend a hand setting up, and turn everyday meals into moments of conversation and connection.

Community & connection.

Buddies open the door to new experiences from their own lives and community. This could include a visit to a university cafe, a market stroll, or discovering new music together. It’s all about bridging generations and showing their elder Buddy a bit of their world too.

_{Safety and vetting.}

Trust and safety, built in from the start.

Background & ID checks.

Every Buddy must complete a valid DBS check before visits begin, along with full ID verification (and student ID where applicable) to ensure safety and trust from day one.

The right fit.

Each Buddy is personally interviewed, either by video or in person, so we really get to know them. Families then choose their top Buddy, with a free first meet-up to confirm it feels like the right match.

Ongoing support & communication.

We keep families, Buddies, and AIBŌ connected with regular updates and open communication. If anything ever feels off, we’re always here to step in and provide support.

As featured on...

Trust us, we care.

We’re making a difference and it shows. Read the success stories from our clients and students.

Sue

"Since having a Buddy, my father, 90, with Parkinson’s and dementia is far more cheerful. He enjoys computer help, puzzles, or going for coffee, and I notice a huge difference in our daily calls."

Daughter

With us since Oct, 2024

Jess

"Working for AIBŌ is so rewarding. Alongside my studies, I’ve learnt so much from my older Buddy - their generation and hobbies, while having the chance to help and give something back.”

Buddy

With us since Oct, 2024

Jo

"Linking young people with our ageing generation is a wonderful idea. My father had a great time out for fish & chips and ice cream, and I appreciated a break knowing he was well cared for.”

Daughter

With us since Feb, 2025

Mark

"My elderly friend in Arundel receives weekly AIBŌ visits for PC help, outings, meals, shopping and a writing project. The genuine care and friendship mean so much - he always speaks with enthusiasm and delight."

Friend

With us since Oct, 2024

Belinda

"My mum had Alzheimer’s and sadly died last month. The AIBŌ students who helped were terrific - so flexible, kind and warm. They made her feel comfortable and truly loved.”

Daughter

With us since May, 2025

Mary

"With her companion’s help, my sister explores crafts, languages, quizzes and fashion design online. They’ve become friends, chatting easily. It’s a cheerful, calm and stress-free arrangement that suits her perfectly.”

Sister

With us since March, 2025

Meagon

"Once a week I visit Mike, who lives with dementia. We go to cafés, fish and chip shops or for walks. It doesn’t feel like work at all and he’s become a real friend."

Friend

With us since Oct, 2024

Janice

"Joe is my saviour. He knows all about my TV! We play cards, we sometimes have a cup of coffee by the sea, and we talk about our lives and our families. Joe's weekly visits really cheer me up."

Customer

With us since Oct, 2024