Loneliness, social isolation being tackled by St John
AN INITIATIVE aimed at tackling loneliness and social isolation has been launched by the St John Ambulance charity
Caring Callers is a free telephone service that will put trained volunteers in touch with older people who are living alone, feeling isolated or cut off from their community.
It will offer a check-in service for those who might benefit from a call, which could be on a regular basis or temporarily when their friends or family are unavailable.
‘Even in a small island community, self-isolation may result in people in feeling disconnected or cut off from friends, family or the outside world,’ said St John chief executive officer Heather Langlois.
‘Just having someone ask you about your day can make all the difference to how you’re feeling and brighten up your day.’
It was all about connecting people and helping to end loneliness, she said.
Kelly Marquis, a paramedic from the St John Emergency Ambulance Service, said that she had met people who lived alone and felt anxious or experienced other mental or physical health-related issues.
‘While the Caring Caller volunteers are not counsellors or healthcare professionals, they may spot when someone is not well and be able to follow a welfare process to signpost them to other forms of appropriate care, if needed.’
The service will also act as a safety net for anyone unable to summon assistance in the normal way.
The trained volunteers will be put in touch with people with similar interests or shared experiences. It is intended not only to end loneliness, but to help improve well-being and other health issues among isolated, vulnerable or older adults.
‘We are looking for friendly, chatty people of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds, who have a positive outlook on life and who are happy to spend time talking to others,’ said community support officer at St John Ambulance Marica Bale.
‘We will try and match people with similar interests, but the conversations could be wide ranging.’
. To find out more about the St John Caring Caller service or to volunteer as a Caring Caller call 01481 727129 or email caring.caller@stjohn.gg
