Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) has started a new telephone befriending service to help combat isolation and loneliness among residents during the coronavirus restrictions.
Called ‘Call and Chat’, the service is run by volunteers and residents who sign up will receive a weekly phone call to see how they are, whether there is anything they need and have a friendly conversation.
Call and Chat is available for all residents, not just those that are older or vulnerable, and calls will take place between Mondays and Fridays at a mutually convenient time*.
Mandy Worster, Volunteer programme manager, said: ‘Many of our residents are cut off from their usual social activities and groups because of Covid-19. Regardless of whether they are self-isolating or just social distancing, this can be very lonely.
‘Call and Chat is designed to help residents through this difficult time and promote wellbeing. At the same time, if our volunteers have any safeguarding concerns about a resident then they will endeavour to assist with this as well.’
If you are interested in finding out more about our Call and Chat service or would like to sign up for this, please contact us on 07596 333835 or at: volunteering@nhg.org.uk. Our volunteers will treat what you tell them in strict confidence and will not share your details with anyone outside of NHG.
* Unfortunately calls cannot be scheduled to take place late at night or during weekends.