Shropshire volunteers sought to befriend elderly
Thousands of older people in Shropshire go weeks without speaking to family or friends, according to a charity.
Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin has revealed that there are currently100 older people on waiting lists for help within the borough.
The independent charity has set up the Gift of Friendship appeal in response to the significant issue of loneliness and has urged residents to help out.
A volunteer befriender is carefully matched with an older person to provide a social visit for up to two hours per week.
The visit may include chatting, running small errands or sharing an interest.
The scheme is already helping tens of thousands of older people across the UK and has made a significant impact in tackling loneliness in the region covered by Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.
Heather Osborne, chief executive of the county's Age UK branch, said: "Poor mobility, loss of a loved one or a lack of family nearby result in many becoming isolated and lonely. Loneliness is miserable, and it can impact on health and wellbeing too.
"Through the Gift of Friendship appeal we are urging people to help – by fundraising or volunteering. If you can help we'd like to hear from you.
"We need to raise money to recruit, train and support volunteers – we have a critical need for more volunteer befrienders, with around 100 older people on waiting lists."
Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin can be contacted on (01952) 201803 or via www.ageukshropshireandtelford.org.uk
