Record calls made to elderly helpline

A helpline that supports lonely and isolated older people has reported a huge surge in demand after it received a record48,000callslastmonth.

The Silver Line received almost an extra week’s worth of more calls in March compared to the same month last year – an increase of 24 per cent.

The rise was markedly seen over the bank holiday weekend. There were more than 6,327 calls made to the number between Good Friday and Easter Monday, averaging more than one call a minute.