started. Silver Line have taken in over 48,000 calls and this is nearly a 24% increase when compared to the previous month. It is said that the colder weather and the Easter period are to blame for this.

What’s even more shocking is that 80% of callers are phoning in for the very first time. The Chief Executive of Silver Line has stated that he knows that for the people who call, bank holidays can be incredibly lonely. It feels like a month of Sundays to some people, and it can be a real challenge for them. They also have a lot of calls between Good Friday and Easter Monday as well. The main reason for this is because most people have their family and friends go away for long weekends and this leaves them all alone.

Those who work in homecare jobs or in private nursing will understand the impact that this can have on people. More generally, is that older people are phoning them every single day and this just isn’t over a certain period. It is all-year round. Of course, it’s also important to know that the Silver Line is the only free helpline that is national and confidential. It is open every single day and every single night. They also offer friendship, information and advice to those who are over the age of 55

Two thirds of calls they get are received over night and this just goes to show how many people are struggling with loneliness every single day.