Charity is offering friendship calls to older people in Wakefield during Covid-19 and beyond

But while many social hot spots such as pubs and restaurants have remained opened, social clubs and community centres more typically frequented by older people stay closed, leaving thousands without prospect of social contact while the pandemic continues.

The groups are a part of national organisation Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly), a charity providing social gatherings for older people who live alone and have little family support.

While these activities have been suspended due to the virus, the charity has launched a new telephone befriending service, call companions, in its place - Already being used by hundreds of older people in the North East.

Latest findings by ONS (Office of National Statistics) have found that those aged 70 and over were more likely to say their wellbeing had been affected by the pandemic compared to any other age group.

But as the generation at most risk from the virus, older people have been left in limbo regarding safe venues they can visit and without clear dates of when they should expect these spaces to reopen

Hazel, 81, is one of thousands of older people unable to leave their homes.

She said, “I’ve been stuck at home for a really long time - I’ve only been out twice on my own since August because I have trouble walking. Now with the virus, you have to stay in for your own good but it does get very lonely.”

Telephone befriending services like call companions offer a safe way for older generations to make new friends and, for those living alone or without family, stay connected with the outside world.

The charity does its best to match people according to their interests so that, over time, they get to know one another and create a genuine friendship.

Hazel has now been receiving calls since late May.

“I’m really enjoying my conversations with Michelle. We just hit it off. She calls me every Sunday and we chat about everything – families, memories… you name it. We have so much to talk about, the time just flies.” she said.

Thanks to funding from People’s Postcode Lottery and The National Lottery Community Fund, thousands of older people are already receiving calls as part of the service across England, Scotland and Wales, the charity has said. In April, the service received a huge surge in volunteer applicants, signaling the boost in community spirit felt in response to COVID-19.

Re-engage’s Head of Engagement for North England, Craig Chapman said: “As the country re-opens, we've heard from many older people who are feeling left behind and in limbo.

Many are worried about the virus and feel unsure if it really is safe for them to leave their homes. No one should have to choose between their safety and being lonely, which is why our telephone befriending service, Call Companions, can really help those who would like to have someone to talk to but may not have the means to do so."

If you would like a call companion or know someone who could benefit from a regular friendly phone call, please visit www.reengage.org.uk or call 0800 716543 (calls are free)