Age UK offers a friendly voice to those in isolation

SINCE the Covid-19 outbreak, Age UK Lancashire has worked hard to adapt its services to meet the rapidly changing needs of the most isolated older people.

With the support of local businesses and funding it has been able to launch two free services: Support at Home and Good Day Calls.

Good Day Calls provide daily welfare phone calls to those who are living alone, have little support and may be feeling extremely anxious and lonely.

A member of the charity’s trained team will call at a convenient time each day, seven days a week, to check on an individual’s welfare, ensure they are up and about, are eating well, have all the groceries and prescriptions they need and have a chat to boost morale and reduce anxiety.

Chief executive Teri Stephenson said: “Since launching Good Day Calls we have already made 234 calls and feedback has been really positive.

“We really are making a difference and helping people through this difficult time.”

The Good Day Calls service is free and is aimed at helping people who live alone and have limited opportunity to talk to family or friends.

Ms Stephenson added: “We would encourage anyone who is feeling lonely or worried to get in touch and access this service. We are here to support people so please do get in touch.”

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as Good Day Calls, Age UK Lancashire have adapted many of their existing services to ensure older people are getting the support they need.

If you would like to use the service for yourself, or perhaps a relative or friend you feel may benefit from a friendly phone call each day, contact the charity.

More information about support available can be found online at www. ageuklancs.org.uk or by calling 0300 303 1234.