We work through GP surgeries, Social Prescribers and Local Area Coordinators to identify people who are lonely and would appreciate a regular phone call from a friendly voice. The Jo Cox foundation found statistics that show Loneliness has the same negative impact on a person as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and 1 in 10 visits to a GP can be linked to loneliness issues. All volunteers will be DBS checked at our expense and following a chat to discuss the role over a video call we and the volunteer can decide if they can mange the role. If you are a conversationalist and want to help those who don’t have the opportunity for a chat then maybe we can help you both gain something from this experience.. Many of our volunteers have been with us for over 7 years and the rewards are the smiles and laughter that often accompany the calls. We also run a weekly seated exercise activity, “Chatter Chairs” for Befriendees held at the George Ward Centre in Barwell and a monthly coffee morning at the Indoor Bowls Club in Barwell.