County Durham telephone support service says one call a day could save the NHS thousands of GP appointments
Nearly half of those over-75 in the North East feel more alone in the colder months
As winter approaches, Royal Voluntary Service is urging the public to make use of telephone support services to counter the profound impact of isolation on health and wellbeing.
The charity’s latest research reveals that 42% of people living in the North East receiving regular support calls reduce their GP visits, highlighting the vital role of connection in managing physical and mental wellbeing.
With nearly 588,000 GP appointments potentially freed up if every adult experiencing loneliness later in life could reduce even a single visit, Royal Voluntary Service’s Stay Safe, Warm and Well campaign in partnership with Yakult calls for urgent action to foster connections and prevent isolation.
For many, winter brings a sharp increase in isolation and loneliness, however, this is particularly true for those aged 75 and older.
The data shows that nearly half (47%) of people in this age group living in the North East report increased loneliness during the winter months, with one in six who live alone feeling “forgotten.”
Isolation impacts health and wellbeing directly, especially when coupled with financial worries and physical limitations.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the need for connection is particularly crucial among older adults, where approximately 30% of people aged 65+ live alone, with rates significantly higher among women.
Living alone, particularly for extended periods, can directly affect both physical and mental health, as social isolation contributes to a range of health vulnerabilities, including increased anxiety and lower life satisfaction.
Royal Voluntary Service’s telephone support programme links volunteers with individuals seeking regular companionship. These calls do more than fill time—they provide a crucial touchpoint, especially for those facing prolonged stretches alone. The feedback from the programme highlights the value of having someone to talk to, with many older adults feeling more connected and supported in a season often marked by isolation.
The Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide is accessible at royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/safe-warm-well, providing practical advice for navigating heating costs, energy-saving tips, and ideas for community and online engagement through the Virtual Village Hall. Those looking for telephone support can reach out to the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders on 0808 196 3646 in England, and to Royal Voluntary Service’s Calls with Care service on 0800 011 3407 in Scotland and Wales.