Can you be 'a lifeline' for older people in Oldham?

Age UK Oldham say it needs 'telephone befrienders' now more than ever and is appealing for people to volunteer to be 'a lifeline' for an older person in the community. 

The independent local charity - which offers support and services to older people in Oldham - said the 'telephone befrienders' have already been a lifeline to more than 160 older people in the borough during the coronavirus pandemic but they still need your help. 

They said in a Facebook post: "Back in March, we appealed for volunteers to help us and many came forward and are now supporting older people with a daily phone call. We are really grateful, they have been a lifeline to over 160 older people in Oldham. 

"Sadly we are still receiving daily requests from older people who have no social groups to go to and are still at home…alone! We still need volunteers. The virus hasn’t gone and the need for a friendly voice hasn’t either."

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to email maggie.hurley@ageukoldham.org.uk or call 0161 622 9252.