You can join the war on loneliness with one phone call a week

THE Mail on Sunday is backing Age UK’s drive to recruit 1,000 new volunteers to its Telephone Friendship Service – a simple initiative that aims to alleviate the loneliness felt by older people across the country.

And joining couldn’t be easier. Recruits will be interviewed and undergo a quick online training course, before being matched with someone who would benefit from a 30-minute chat once a week.

In general, people are matched because they share common ground. ‘That could be hobbies, life experiences or just someone who grew up locally to them,’ explains Alasdair Stewart, Age UK’s director of national services. ‘Our service has helped to create thousands of new friendships.’

Calls are routed through a switchboard, no contact details are exchanged and only first names are used.

The calls are the highlight of the week for Susan, 71, from Somerset. She was matched with Nick, who is retired and decided to volunteer after seeing the difference regular phone calls made to his own parents. ‘It’s a lovely friendship,’ says Susan. ‘He has become like family to me.’

Nick says: ‘Susan is a lovely lady. Half an hour, once a week, is not a lot, and the rewards on both sides are great.’