David does his bit to help combat loneliness

- Wed 24 Nov 2021

Since the lockdowns that we have all suffered from the impact of Covid-19, loneliness has become more apparent than ever. Many people have found that by being a helping hand for others, has helped themselves.

Bradleys Estate Agents are extremely proud of David Evans, a Negotiator from our Brixham Branch, who is a telephone befriender to four potentially lonely and isolated people for Torbay Community Helpline.

David began volunteering when he was just 11 starting with a sponsored walk and has continued volunteering ever since. When Covid struck in 2020, David was one of the first to offer his help by delivering food and essentials to doorsteps from his local grocery shop.

Since March this year David has been on the end of the phone to many people who benefit greatly from a friendly voice. David has spoken regularly to a man whose wife is in a home and no longer recognises him, with the rest of the man’s family living elsewhere in the country David’s calls really do mean a lot. Another was struggling in his home and David with the help of Age UK Torbay found him a more suitable flat to move in to.

David commented “It’s deeply satisfying to know I can help in so many way, loneliness is hideous and it seems to be getting worse. I liken it to a mental cancer, and we need to tackle it now. Everyone can help. Even one phone call a week will give someone’s life a massive boost-and befriending has made me feel a lot better too, as Covid has affected mental health for most of us. Everyone has a role to play, and you always get something out of it. Volunteering like this is two-way traffic and I am so glad I have been able to do it, and I’m very pleased I’m part of this brilliant team”

If after reading this you may be interested in volunteering your time, there are lots of volunteering opportunities available via the Helpline, including befriending, specialist befriending (which needs a background in counselling), call handling, and many more. You can register your interest by calling Torbay Community Helpline on 01803 446022. If you live outside of Torbay there are many other similar organisations that will provide a similar service and will need more volunteers.

David does his bit to help combat loneliness

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