New telephone befriending service aims to tackle isolation in the Highlands
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A new telephone befriending service is to be launched to tackle social isolation and loneliness among older people in the Highlands.
It is being set up by Inverness-based Morning Call which already provides free daily calls to those needing the reassurance of someone checking on them.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the charity has seen an increasing number of referrals and the team of volunteers is currently providing 50 calls a day – sometimes the only voice the clients will hear.
It is now seeking volunteers to be matched up with clients for regular telephone chats at agreed times from once a week to once a month.
The additional service is being made possible with a £2500 grant from Befriending Networks.
Service co-ordinator Nadine Morrison said it will complement existing support.
"The aim of the call would be to build up a friendship and supportive relationship for the client with their volunteer," she said.
"The ongoing concerns and issues raised by Covid-19 for our older people means that many of them are nervous and worried about when restrictions are lifted that they still will not feel comfortable having people coming to their homes for fear of infection."
It could also be an alternative service for clients in rural areas unable to get a volunteer visitor, or those living with family who were on their own throughout the day.
Morning Call founder Alan Michael said it was a simple idea but believed it could make a massive difference to helping to alleviate social isolation and loneliness.
It would enable people to chat with someone else and reminisce.
"We just hope there will be sufficient people interested in receiving a call and volunteers to help," Mr Michael said.
Pam Gowie, the charity’s new chairwoman, said the pandemic had highlighted the issues of social isolation among older people.
"Lockdown has meant all the activities they were involved in are not happening any more," Mrs Gowie said.
"I think after lockdown people are still going to be anxious about going out and having people into their homes."
She hoped that the new service which would match up volunteers and clients would lead to friendships being developed.
Anyone interested in becoming a befriender or wishing to receive the telephone befriending service should email info@morningcall.org.uk or call 07514 494053.
People can also write to Morning Call, Box 422, 8 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EA.
Related story: Service bringing chat and cheer to older people in the Highlands sees more referrals since start of pandemic
