A Cockermouth charity is appealing for new volunteers to share just an hour a week to change a lonely person’s life.
Linking Lives Cockermouth is a befriending charity which is a lifeline for those living alone or who are unable to leave home regularly, often having little contact with the outside world.
They pair these people with volunteers who pledge to give one hour each week to visit their ‘link friend’ or catch up with them on the phone.
There are nearly 90 people on the books of Linking Lives Cockermouth and more volunteers are needed to meet demand.
The volunteers are carefully matched with people who are referred to Linking Lives, or who refer themselves.
The comfort and connections the organisation offers doesn’t replace other statutory care services but aims to enhance the lives of those who sign up for their help.
Terry Peate is part of the team which runs Linking Lives Cockermouth.
He said: “There are some scary statistics around loneliness in the UK. Nearly four million people only have their TV for company and 500,000 people spend Christmas alone, while nine million people say they are lonely.
“This is obviously going to have an impact on mental health, but research shows it can affect physical health too, increasing the risk of things like Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
“Our link friends are amazing. They show up just for a chat – in person or on the phone – or might play a game or simply take a wander around the garden together.
“They don’t help with cooking or cleaning or anything like that. This is all about being a friend – giving that social connection.
“Those signed up to our service say that it is life changing. One told me that it has restored her confidence to join the outside world. That says it all to me.”
If you can help Linking Lives Cockermouth, call 07957 515140 or email cockermouth@linkinglives.uk. For more information visit www.linkinglives.uk/project/cockermouth
