Friend in need

Sir, At Independent Age, the older people’s charity, we’re always trying to help as many older people as possible. Right now, we want to encourage older people in Scotland who may be feeling lonely to get in touch with us to find out about our friendship services, which could help to reduce loneliness.

We have friendly, trained volunteers waiting to make regular calls to the people who need them to help make a difference to their lives, so we’re keen to hear from people who may have lost touch with close friends or family and would like to find someone friendly to talk to.

Receiving a regular call can be invaluable to someone who is lonely. Having a volunteer for a regular telephone call can provide vital companionship for older people who are lonely, enabling them to feel more connected to their local community.

Older people who would like to receive regular calls from a volunteer can sign up at www.independentage.org/get-support/receive-regular-phone-callsor-visits or by calling 0800 319 6789.

Yours, Jeanette Bates, Head of Wellbeing at Independent Age.