AGE UK Cheshire East’s telephone befriending service is looking to expand its calls to older people following the recruitment of new volunteers to its ranks.
The service, aptly named Keep in Touch, was first developed in response to the urgent need by many isolated and lonely older people for some companionship when the pandemic first hit hard in March last year.
Since then, more than 140 older people have been supported by the service, receiving weekly calls from volunteers like Miriam, pictured here.
As a result of the success and value of the service, a waiting list had begun to build up, meaning new volunteers were desperately needed to meet that demand.
Following an ongoing recruitment campaign, the charity is now in a position to offer more calls to older people needing extra support during these difficult times.
Since its formation, the service, currently supported financially by the Charities Aid Foundation, has become invaluable to older people who have felt so isolated and lonely during the numerous lockdowns and restrictions that have been in place over the last year.
Those receiving the calls have spoken enthusiastically about the positive impact it has had on their lives over the last year.
As well as the older people receiving the calls, the volunteers who make the calls also get a huge amount of satisfaction, particularly knowing what a big difference they are making to the lives of the people they call.
The service is now looking to expand those it supports further, and is looking for any older person in Cheshire East who feels that they would benefit from receiving such a call from one of the team.
To access the service, call 01625 612958 or going online to find out more at https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cheshireeast/our-services/keep-in-touch/