Phone buddies have proved to be a popular initiative from IP17GNS.
The Good Neighbour Scheme has 21 volunteers who regularly call people who are isolated or feeling lonely just for a friendly chat. Many people feel better for having a phone buddy when they’re self isolated or settled somewhere away from their family.
There are now 50 people enjoying this service – some like an occasional call, others enjoy a chat with their phone buddy several times a week.
Despite not being able to meet in person, the buddies and those that they call have developed warm friendships through lockdown.
At the end of her recent call, Mrs M said “it’s just nice to have someone to talk to”.
If you’d like someone to call you regularly for a chat, just to make sure you’re happy and ok, please call 0333 335 5266 and ask to talk about getting a Phone Buddy. It’s up to you how often you’d like to be called and when you’re ready for the arrangement to stop. There’s no commitment – and no charge! – we just want you to know that there’s someone nearby who cares.
If you’d like to be a volunteer phone buddy and call someone who’s feeling isolated or lonely, please send a text (please don’t call) to 07489 139 510