Silver Line volunteering
Founded by Dame Esther Rantzen, The Silver Line is the only free, national and confidential helpline for older people, available 365-days-a-year, 24-hours-a-day.
Dame Esther said:
“Since the death of my husband Desmond Wilcox 15 years ago, I know what it’s like to feel lonely – and so I also know what a difference it makes to be able to speak to a friendly voice. Many people who call The Silver Line have led fascinating lives but now find themselves alone, often because they have lost a partner or other loved one. There is still a stigma to admitting you’re lonely, but I believe we should all be honest about our loneliness, so that others can help.”
You can call the Silver Line on 0800 4 70 80 90 to ask about local services, talk in confidence, get some friendly advice, or simply have a chat. For people who would appreciate a regular call from the same person every week there are now 2,500 volunteer Silver Line Friends who share the belief that a simple connection with another human being can be life-changing.
Services offered by The Silver Line include:
· Silver Line Friends: Volunteers who undertake a weekly friendship call to an isolated older person;
· Silver Letters: an exchange of regular letters between an older person and a volunteer; and
· Silver Circles: a regular group call on a range of subjects that interest the callers.
The Silver Line urgently needs more volunteer Silver Line Telephone Friends. Training for the role is quick and easy, and once matched, you will need to give just 30 minutes a week to chat to a Silver Liner on the telephone.
To find out more about becoming a Silver Line Telephone Friend, email: volunteering@TheSilverLine.org.uk ; call 020 7224 2020.; or go the website www.thesilverline.org.uk