A call went out and you responded

The truly inspiring generosity of Sunday Post readers saw donations to Age Scotland’s helpline triple in only two days.

This surge in support came after we helped to launch the charity’s Friendship Calls, which combats loneliness and isolation among older Scots, last week.

The funding boost means Age Scotland volunteers can now make a further 200 Friendship Calls per week to vulnerable older Scots living in isolation, to ease their fears about Covid-19.

Age Scotland CEO Brian Sloan expressed his gratitude to our generous readers. “That flood of donations shows how big-hearted Sunday Post readers are. I can’t thank them enough,” he said.

“With lockdown continuing for at least another three weeks, the devastating impact of loneliness and isolation on Scotland’s older people will only deepen further.

“People aged over 75 are most vulnerable to this virus and that makes our Friendship Calls even more vital in supporting them.”

The unprecedented demand for Age Scotland’s Friendship Calls has inspired the charity to continue the service after the crisis ends.

“Our call volume continues to rise,” added Brian, speaking from his back garden, where he spent his first day off in weeks walking 50 miles to raise more funds for the helpline.

“When this crisis is over, I don’t think these calls will drop off immediately. Isolation and loneliness will remain a huge issue.

“We have a duty to our callers to continue this support and public donations will ensure we can do so. Every call and donation is making a huge difference.”

Last week, Margaret Foley, 76, told The Sunday Post how she appreciated her own Friendship Call but was upset at missing out on video calls to her family because her computer was broken.

In an incredible act of kindness, one of our readers was so moved by her story, she sent the Glasgow gran a secondhand Samsung tablet.

The reader from Newry, in Northern Ireland, said: “I use my own tablet to speak to my elderly parents, so I know how important it is for older people to see family and friends.

“I had a spare tablet I wasn’t using and hope Margaret can get it set up so she can chat with her family.”

A shocked Margaret said she is “over the moon” at the gesture and is looking forward to seeing her grandchildren again.