Join MoS army of phone friends

WIDOW Ruby Johnson, 83, has three picture frames on her mantelpiece. One of her six children, another of her grandchild and one of Rebecca Smith, 32, a charity worker who she has never met. The pair speak on the phone every week, as part of Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service. The initiative connects lonely people with like-minded volunteers to help combat isolation.

‘I get as much out of it as Ruby does,’ says Rebecca. ‘She’s very direct. If I have a problem, she’ll get to the heart of it, and we love having a good old moan about politics!’

Last week, The Mail on Sunday announced it is backing Age UK’s drive to recruit 1,000 extra phone volunteers. Since then, sign-ups have risen by 73 per cent. Recruits must dedicate 30 minutes a week, at a time of their choosing, and undergo an interview and a quick, online training course.