Compassionate care

SIR – Mike Tyler, who calls for more sustainable solutions to the crisis in elderly care (Letters, July 7), might be interested to hear about the initiative run by our local medical practice in partnership with a nearby hospice.

Called Co-co, short for Compassionate Communities, it offers full training to volunteers in how to provide help and companionship to the frail and elderly. The volunteers visit people at home for a few hours a week to chat and reminisce, run errands, take them shopping and so on.

I’m sure this could be taken up in other areas as a lifeline for those who often find themselves lonely and alone. Pam Barker

Bridgnorth, Shropshire