A NEW telephone service for people struggling with loneliness has been started by a Malvern charity.

Polly Reehal, one of the founders of Let’s Make A Change, that runs the AMAZE charity shop in Malvern Link, has developed a new idea to help those who may feel isolated and alone: the Listening Line.

Mrs Reehal said she noticed a lot of customers in the AMAZE shop often popped in just for a chat – several admitted that despite the lifting of lockdown restrictions they still felt alone and needed support.

Isolation seemed to be a big problem even in such a busy town as Malvern.

She decided to do something about it and offered to start telephoning people on a regular basis, just for a chat and to see how they are.

The service soon extended so that people who felt a little down and in the need of company could ring her.

“People really benefit from just a chat” She said. “The service I offer is free and available to all the elderly people in Malvern.

“People like to talk about local things, I know there are similar national organisations like Silver Line but I’ve found people don’t want to talk to a call centre, they want to natter with a real person, someone they know, and who lives locally.

“We are sending out door to door leaflets to every home in Malvern asking people to register for this free service.

“The service is without cost and is strictly confidential.

"We only ask for your telephone number and your first name – nothing else, no other information.”

“We just provide a chance to chat, we do not give advice or discuss health, social or legal matters, it is absolutely confidential."

Anyone who wishes to get involved can call 01684 891056 to register their number for a call.

For more information, go to www.listening-line.co.uk   

If people prefer to email they can use hello.listeningline@gmail.com