Offering support to over-75s at home

OLDER people’s charity Re-engage is offering friendship calls to people aged 75 and over who live alone, to support them through the remaining phases of lockdown and beyond.

Call companions, a new service set up by Re-engage, formerly Contact the Elderly, matches older people to 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.

Re-engage chief Meryl Davies said: “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 any time 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.”

To sign up, call freephone 0800 716543 or visit: