Do you – or someone you know – spend days on end without having someone to chat to? If so, Age Concern Leominster and District could have the answer as they announce an extension of their Care Call service.
The service was introduced to relieve loneliness and isolation. Each week, a team of volunteers makes a telephone call from the West Street offices to an older person they feel might benefit from a confidential chat with a friendly voice.
“Experience has shown this contact can prove to be invaluable,” said a spokesperson. “Conversations have revealed clients deeply troubled by circumstances and just talking through problems helps a great deal, but more deep-seated issues can – with the permission of the client – lead to the involvement of the Age Concern Leominster and District team to bring about effective problem solving.”
Tony Cooper, who is responsible for the Care Call service, said: “Most of our Care Call clients come to us through referral, either from a family member, neighbour or medical practitioner. Our volunteers have built up strong relationships with clients through their weekly calls and real friendships have developed. If you think you know someone who would benefit then don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
He added: “As the service expands we will need more volunteers, so I would urge anyone who has some time to spare and who likes a chat to get in touch.
“There is an enormous amount of satisfaction to be had from making just a little difference to a lonely person’s life. Volunteers would normally work at West Street, but in certain circumstances arrangements could be made to do the calls from home.”
l Tony can be contacted on 01568 611054, or via the charity’s Gateway freephone number 0800 195 4550.
