A SOUTHAMPTON charity fighting loneliness is 'urgently' calling for more volunteers to help support the city’s vulnerable through lockdown.
Communicare is looking for help with its ‘Hello Southampton’ telephone service and says people on furlough can participate as volunteering will not impact on their payments.
The charity’s Manager, Annie Clewlow said: "Vulnerable members of the community, such as people who live alone, can opt to receive a daily or less frequent, phone call, to see that all is well. The idea is to try to step in at a stage when there are minor difficulties, which, if left to progress, could become a major crisis."
“Demand for the telephone service has dramatically increased as we are in lockdown once again and many people are finding it a lonely time, so we’re calling on the good people of Southampton to volunteer their time to check in on these individuals."
As well as demand for the service increasing in general, the charity has also been asked by the NHS to provide a follow up service for anyone who has received the COVID-19 vaccination and who might live alone.
Communicare, provides services that enrich the lives of lonely and isolated people in and around Southampton with the help of volunteers dubbed 'Communiteers.'
The charity’s Good Neighbours’ Network is currently supporting more than 560 individuals and families through tasks including one-to-one telephone befriending and transport for essential appointments and assistance with shopping.
Normally Communicare’s services are linked to hosting face-to-face social events but most of Communicare’s work is done via the telephone, post and online during the pandemic.
The services Communicare provides are free to users, although the people using the serving are invited to make a donation if they are able to, and volunteers are offered expenses.
Communicare’s new 'Hello Southampton' telephone support service offers regular scheduled phone calls up to five times a week, Monday-Friday, to isolated or vulnerable people in Southampton.
More information about Communicare can be found on their website or by calling 023 8021 6016.
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