19
Dec
2013
By Calvin at 10:47 GMT, 12 years ago
After a recent message via Facebook and some news items I’ve seen today I thought I would take an opportunity to post something about being neighbourly.
All year-round neighbourliness is important for crime prevention in your street for pretty obvious reasons. Many of us are out at work during the day and we often rely on our neighbours to keep an eye out for us and to call the emergency services should something be amiss. During my time in the police I lost count of the number of times I responded to calls from people who were worried for their neighbour or their neighbour’s property .
And it is at this time of year with the short days and bad weather I think about repaying the favours I’ve received, especially to my elderly neighbours who live on their own. So I will be keeping my eye out for them and popping in for a cup of tea and a chat, just to make sure they’re okay.
I’m sure many of you already do this but if you fancy getting more involved you could always contact the local branch of Age UK and offer to do a little more by becoming a volunteer.
And while on this subject many of you would have seen Esther Rantzen CBE on the news recently announcing the launch of a new help-line for older people called The Silver Line.
The Silver Line is the confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK* open every day and night of the year. Their specially trained helpline staff:
- Offer information, friendship and advice
- Link callers to local groups and services
- Offer regular befriending calls
- Protect and support those who are suffering abuse and neglect
The Silver Line is a helpline for older people – the Silver Generation. They have no strict age limits but most people they speak to are over 65. So, if you think it’s for you, it’s for you.
The statistics about older people and loneliness are frightening. More than half of all 75 year olds in the UK live alone and one in ten suffers “intense” loneliness but is reluctant to ask for help. In a poll conducted to mark the national launch of The Silver Line on 25 November 2013, 9 out of 10 older people told researchers that “a chat on the phone” is the most helpful solution when they feel lonely but 1 in 4 older people say they never or seldom have someone to chat to on the phone.
The important number is 0800 4 70 80 90 - Calls to The Silver Line for a chat, help or advice are free from a landline. You can donate to The Silver Line by texting Silver followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70500, so if you want to donate £10 text Silver10.
*Silver Line Scotland will be delivered by Age Scotland in partnership with The Silver Line during week days, 8am – 8pm. At all other times calls will be answered at the nation helpline HQ.
Age UK Volunteering: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/
The Silver Line: http://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
