So many of us lead busy lives that we don’t often see much of our neighbours. That’s okay if our neighbours are also busy and actively engaged, but what about those who are elderly and live alone?
Whilst living alone does not necessarily means being ‘lonely’ recent research has shown that more than 50% of people aged 75 and over live alone in the UK, of which one in ten say they have experienced ‘intense’ loneliness.
Too often people are reluctant to ask for help, especially of their neighbours, you know - the rest of us who are busy rushing around, and whose only communication with elderly neighbours is a polite ‘hello, how are you?’ to which we get ‘I’m fine, thank you dear’.
Assured we have done we could we move on with our lives, oblivious to the isolation that some older people experience. Christmas is a time when families and groups of friends often come together, and it is easy to ignore the fact that a number of people will have spent Christmas on their own, with only themselves for company.
The Silver Line is a new support service for older people across the UK. Providing a confidential, free helpline, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the week, their trained helpline staff are able to
- Offer information, friendship and advice
- Link callers to local groups and services
- Offer regular befriending calls
- Protect and support those who are suffering abuse and neglect
In addition to the helpline there is the Silver Line Friends group, where people are able to receive a regular weekly friendship call or email. People can also join a Silver Circle where they can take part in a regular group call on subjects of interest.
Silver Line Friends are volunteers who have contacted The Silver Line because they enjoy talking to older people. They are vetted and trained, and work in pairs for safeguarding and support.
Here at Ipswich Town & Waterfront we are passionate about community and community engagement. This new year why not make it your resolution to get involved in your local community. If you know of an older person near you who lives alone maybe you could take the time to say hello. It only takes a few words and few minutes of your day to show an interest in another person, and this may be all that is needed to make someone feel less isolated and lonely.
If someone you know could benefit from the services offered by the Silver Line then let them know. The number to call is 08004 708090. It’s free, and open to everyone over the age of 65.
If you would like to know how to access the service yourself, or find out how you could get involved in helping other then visit the website for more details - http://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
Blogs and reviews posted on Ipswich Town and Waterfront are generated by the people who make up the community of Ipswich. If you are passionate about Ipswich and have a great story to share about our town then please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Natalie Chaplin
