The Dorsetbased National Award winning business Domestic Angels, has congratulated Esther Rantzen on founding The Silver Line, the recently launched free telephone helpline for the silver generation. The service offers telephone befriending aiming to combat loneliness and to give older people a point of contact where they can access information about other organisations and get help with serious problems, as well as build friendships.
Samantha Acton, who set up Domestic Angels 12 years ago, said: “We see elderly folk all the time who are lonely and isolated. Loneliness isn’t just a Christmas phenomena, it’s year round. What Esther is doing addresses these issues which in turn can improve the physical, mental and emotional well being of individuals. In our experience of dealing with elderly people there seems to be a stigma attached to contacting some organizations. Esther is avoiding the language of the care agencies and doesn’t talk down to people. Older people have a lifetime of experience and knowledge that is often forgotten.”The Domestic Angels team who help people in homes with housework and home help services will be raising awareness of The Silver Line amongst their clients, families and community outreach groups. “We all need a smile and a chat from time to time and the Angels have the great privilege of helping some very vulnerable members of our society.”
The Silver Line is a free and confidential telephone helpline that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The number is 0800 4 70 80 90.The Silver Line
