A NEW telephone line to support the elderly took 35 calls at Christmas – some of them dealt with in person by its founder television presenter Esther Rantzen.
The Silver Line is currently being piloted in the Isle of Man and in Manchester. The plan is to extend the service in the new year after the pilot ends in the spring.
The service which offers advice and information as well as a befriending service, was launched at the start of December an allows people to make free, anonymous calls for information or friendship.
The Silver Line’s chief executive Sophie Andrews said: ‘We took 35 calls on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, many through the night and most lasting at least 30 minutes.
‘We’ve also proactively called 60 people who receive the friendship service on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
‘Most had been on their own for two full days and will continue to be alone until after the new year.
‘People were extremely grateful to hear from Esther or myself and most said they hadn’t spoken to anyone.
‘We’ve had lots of positive feedback about the value of our service and loneliness seems to be the overwhelming problem.’
Some of the Manchester-based callers agreed for their case histories to be used to promote the service in the Isle of Man.
One caller was a widower of 33 years with no family still alive.
He hopes to move closer to friends in the new year.
In the meantime the Silver Line has provided him with details of any social activities he might be able to get involved in.
Another caller suffered depression after splitting from his wife and attempted suicide.
He is in contact with his local mental health team and has had support from the Samaritans but Silver Line is investigating details of any support groups which could offer him further help.
Speaking at the launch of Silver Line, Ms Rantzen, who founded the charity Childline, told supporters she herself had experienced loneliness after the death of her husband television producer Desmond Wilcox.
She said loneliness was a taboo subject particularly among older people who could be reticent about asking for help.
The idea is not to duplicate the existing excellent volunteer groups, she said but to put people in touch with the relevant organisations that can offer help and to offer a befriending service.
The service is completely free and the number to call is 0800 328 8888.
To ensure confidentiality calls are answered off-island so callers’ anonymity is guaranteed.