MORE than 2,000 reassurance calls to older people in Wales have been made by Age Cymru in recent weeks.

The charity launched its 'check in and chat' initiative on Monday March 23, in response to government advice on isolation and social distancing.

The service enables those aged over 70 who live alone to receive a regular call from the charity to answer basic queries, link people to local support services, or simply have an informal chat in either English or Welsh.

To date, nearly 500 people have signed up to the service, with many receiving a daily call. At the same time, the charity has dealt with nearly 1500 calls to its free-to-use advice line.

Age Cymru’s chief executive, Victoria Lloyd, said: “Like many other organisations we have switched our operations so that our teams are working from home and we’ve had to postpone many of the activities and events we had planned.

"Our priority is to reach out to older people and be there for them during these very worrying times. With more than half of the over 75s in Wales having no access to the internet, telephone contact is hugely important for people and the response to our calls has been overwhelming.”

Age Cymru has now set up a coronavirus emergency appeal to enable the charity to keep answering the growing number of calls to its advice line and meet rising demand for friendship calls from older people who are feeling frightened and lonely. They will also help local branches of Age Cymru to offer practical help to older people in acute need in their areas.

To support Age Cymru’s emergency appeal, visit agecymru.org.uk/donate

You may also call 08000 223 444 to make a donation.