pic: Age UK

A new service has launched in Croydon to give lonely pensioners someone to talk to.

Age UK’s service, ‘Call in Time’, gives pensioners the opportunity to receive a weekly phone call from a trained volunteer to chat about anything and everything from grandchildren to gardening.

The new scheme forms part of the friendship and well-being programme which aims to provide older people with regular communication with the outside world.

The weekly calls last around 20 minutes and provide older people with telephone company in the safety and comfort of their homes.

Stuart Routledge, chief executive at Age UK Croydon, said: “Reducing loneliness and isolation amongst older people in our community is central to our work, so we are delighted to be able to reach out to even more people living in Croydon through our partnership with Age UK.

“We have volunteers ready and waiting to take calls, so if you are an older person who would like to find out more, or if someone you know could be interested, then please do not hesitate to get in touch to find out further details.”

If you know an older person who is living alone or away from their family and friends, feeling isolated and lonely or recently bereaved then contact Age UK on 0844 255 0320 or email callintime@ageuk.org.uk.