Join MoS army of phone friends
Sign up for Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service by visiting ageuk.org.uk/friend
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.
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2022-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z
2022-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z
https://mailonline.pressreader.com/article/282716231022999
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