A ‘PHONE Pals’ service is offering help and a friendly ear.
Run by Warwick & Leamington Covid-19 Mutual Aid group, anyone without access to the internet can ring 01926 674065 at any time, leave a message, and a “Phone Pals” volunteer will ring them back.
More than 400 calls have now matched help requests with volunteers or been a friendly voice on the end of the phone.
Sarah Jones, coordinator for the Mutual Aid Phone team, said: “Many people contacting the group by phone are elderly and need practical support to help with shopping or collecting prescriptions. It is easier for them to do this on the phone, as they may not be comfortable online.”
“Our “Phone Pals” volunteers also recognise that social isolation has completely disrupted most of our everyday interactions, and we are aware that many people are spending much of their waking time on their own.”
“We can offer a one-off call or regular contact. Whilst we are not trained counsellors, we can offer social contact over the phone to anyone in the local community who needs a friendly voice to talk to. “And it’s not just the callers that are benefitting. Volunteers are also finding that reaching out to others and making a contribution to the community has its own ‘feel good’ factor.”
Over 7000 members have now joined the Warwick and Leamington Covid-19 Mutual Aid Facebook group and more than 1000 people have volunteered their time.
In less than a month, volunteers have carried out 142 requests, for shopping or essential supplies, picked up and delivered 77 prescriptions and made or received over 400 calls.
Click https://warwickleamingtoncovidhelp.wordpress.com, email [email protected], or call 01926 674065 for help or to volunteer.
