Why phoning a friend really is a lifeline

Aiming to tackle loneliness and isolation, the No 1 Befriending Agency trains and coordinates volunteers to visit older people who would otherwise have limited social interaction.

The Glasgow-based organisation says 2020 has seen a surge in referrals for their services, as well as volunteer applications, and being able to simply talk to someone on the phone has been a lifeline for many during lockdown.

Catherine Armstrong, 67, has been volunteering with the group since July, and admits she didn’t realise how much she, too, would benefit from forming a friendship with someone new.

“With more time on my hands in lockdown, I just thought to myself, ‘What can I do to help’, explained Catherine, from Glasgow.

“I live on my own, so I could empathise with people who might be feeling a bit lonely.

“The Agency looks at your skills and interests, and tries to pair you with someone who will be a good match, and I think that’s really key for forming a good relationship. I just feel so uplifted after our calls and I really think it helps us both.”

Every Monday at 11am, Catherine, who is retired after a career working in the Foreign Office, calls her new friend for a chat about everything and anything, and she hopes they’ll be able to meet in person once lockdown restrictions are eased.

She continued: “If there is anything positive to be taken from this year, maybe it’s that loneliness has been highlighted when it might have otherwise been ignored.”