Older people’s charity Re-engage is offering friendship calls to people aged 75 and over who live alone in Grantham to support them through the remaining phases of lockdown and beyond, for as long as needed.
Call companions, a new service set up by Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly), matches older people to dedicated volunteers who offer friendship and support. The charity, which in normal times runs social gatherings for this age group, received a surge of volunteer applications from members of the public eager to help. Hundreds of older people across the UK have already signed up.
Recent government advice now allows the most vulnerable people – those previously shielding – to leave their homes once a day for exercise and meet with one person from another household while maintaining social distancing. However, charities have argued that the guidance has left people worried and confused about how safe they really are.
Re-engage CEO Meryl Davies says, “It’s been three long months for older people who live alone and it’s not over yet. The situation is incredibly confusing and frightening and the prospect of social clubs and activities for this age group opening anytime soon looks unlikely, leaving thousands of people feeling bored, anxious and lonely.
“Our call companions are genuinely interested in chatting to older people about things like gardening, books or just the day to day. We pair people up thoughtfully and carefully so the conversation flows. It’s a great way to make a new supportive friend and give yourself some comfort to help you through this difficult time.”
Hazel, who’s 81, signed up for a call companion because she’s at home on her own and has a bad hip so hasn’t been fully mobile for months. She says, “I’m really enjoying my conversations with Michelle. We just hit it off. She calls me every Sunday and we chat about everything – families, memories… you name it. We have so much to talk about, the time just flies.”
Meanwhile, Trudy, 88, who’s also receiving a regular call, has found the lockdown desperately challenging as her family has been directly affected by Coronavirus and she’s missed seeing her friends at her local social club.
She says, “It’s been a horrible time. My brother died from the virus last week – he was 93 – and I couldn’t go to this funeral. My family sent me a photo of all the flowers, but I just feel really sad that I couldn’t be there. My daughter phones every night, but she’s up in Yorkshire so it’s just too far for her to come for a day.
“Maybe if I had people around me I’d feel different, but I’m frightened to go out now. It’s a dangerous world out there. Then again, sitting inside all these weeks, sometimes I wonder if I should just go out and take my chances. I’m always cleaning the house these days to keep busy. Some of the women I know say they just sleep all the time and that can’t be good for you.”
“It’s been a real blessing having Tony call me every week. The thing I like most is that he always calls when he says he will. I really like that. It always makes me feel better to know someone other than my daughter is thinking of me and cares enough to call. There are some really good people out there.”
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If you would like a call companion or know someone who could benefit from a regular friendly phone call, please visit www.reengage.org.uk or call 0800 716543 (calls are free).
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