Call for people in East Yorkshire to volunteer in efforts against loneliness
Age UK says it's the busiest their befriending telephone service has been so far during the pandemic.
Last updated 31st Jan 2021
People across East Yorkshire are being urged to volunteer to support people who're socially isolated during lockdown.
Age UK says this is the busiest their befriending telephone service has been so far during the pandemic.
Lydia Robinson is from the charity which covers Hull and the East Riding, and says: "We've been completely inundated, and is definitely busier than the first and second lockdowns.
"We're doing our best with the volunteers that we've got, who are all fantastic. However, we do need more people to help out.
"Quite a lot of the people who we speak to were housebound before the pandemic, but obviously people can't come and see them anymore.
"Without that face to face contact, they're really missing out on the social aspects of life.
"We're providing telephone support, and have increase our telephone befriending service. If people get involved, it'll completely give them something to look forward to.
"Some service users have told us that getting a phone call is the highlight of their week, and that it's a breath of fresh air for them. People need that mental stimulation to help them get through the week".