Silver Talk is a free service for residents aged 50 and over who may be feeling lonely and isolated. It’s a weekly social chat for up to 30 minutes usually on an agreed day and time, with a volunteer who is there to provide a friendly, listening ear.
The service was launched in October 2012 with the support of Mid Durham AAP, Durham City Homes and Age UK County Durham and Derwentside Homes after securing Big Lottery Funding.
While there have been challenges along the way, the merger of three North East housing associations to create Karbon Homes in 2017 has helped to re-establish Silver Talk. With support from Mid Durham AAP, Silver Talk found its voice again and a base in Stanley.
Olive, a 90-year-old resident from Prudhoe, has been using Silver Talk for several years:
“It’s nice to have someone to be able to talk to, someone who is really interested in me.
“Sometimes people will call me to check in, but it’s not always on a regular basis and you never know when they’re going to call you again. Silver Talk is there consistently every week at the same time. Even when Mary, my volunteer, was off ill, they arranged for someone else to call me.”
Paul Moralee, Karbon’s Community Investment Manager, said:
“Silver Talk has made a real difference to many people’s lives over the past ten years. It can be harder for some of our older residents to get out and socialise as much as they would like. The Silver Talk calls really give them something to look forward to.
“Alongside the calls, we are constantly signposting, referring or connecting our service users to practical help, support or information they need.”
Silver Talk Coordinator, Christine Fletcher said:
“I’m passionate about combatting loneliness and was aware of Silver Talk since it started in 2012.
“However, it wasn’t until I joined the service that I truly appreciated how much it means to all those involved, and some have been involved since the beginning.
"I love working with the Silver Talk volunteers who are the unsung heroes who develop strong bonds of friendship with those they call. As a Service Coordinator I speak to those who receive the calls too, and see friendships develop and volunteers bloom. It plays a great role in supporting older people across the region.”
Silver Talk’s revival became important during the Covid-19 lockdowns. With so many people isolated and unable to meet up with friends and family, Silver Talk provided a lifeline.
Susan, who has been volunteering with Silver Talk for two years, said:
“I wanted to get involved because I realised a lot of people were isolated by lockdown. They lost contact with relatives, neighbours and friends and lost confidence after being in their homes for a long time.
“A lot of people have turned to Silver Talk because it gives them a chance to get used to talking to people again and build up their confidence.
“I find it really uplifting and rewarding. I look forward to talking to them – we can’t wait to find out what we’ve been up to.”
Keep a look out for more stories from our Silver Talk service users and volunteers throughout October.
How to get involved with Silver Talk
If you can spare an hour or two each week and enjoy listening, chatting and getting to know people, volunteering with Silver Talk is the perfect way to give something back. You can do it from your home and Karbon can provide volunteers with a smartphone to make the calls. Find out more on our Silver Talk volunteering page.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from speaking to a Silver Talk volunteer or would like you volunteer, please contact us by calling 0191 223 8662 or email silvertalk@karbonhomes.co.uk.
Silver Talk is a free service for residents aged 50 and over who may be feeling lonely and isolated. It’s a weekly social chat for up to 30 minutes usually on an agreed day and time, with a volunteer who is there to provide a friendly, listening ear.
The service was launched in October 2012 with the support of Mid Durham AAP, Durham City Homes and Age UK County Durham and Derwentside Homes after securing Big Lottery Funding.
While there have been challenges along the way, the merger of three North East housing associations to create Karbon Homes in 2017 has helped to re-establish Silver Talk. With support from Mid Durham AAP, Silver Talk found its voice again and a base in Stanley.
Olive, a 90-year-old resident from Prudhoe, has been using Silver Talk for several years:
“It’s nice to have someone to be able to talk to, someone who is really interested in me.
“Sometimes people will call me to check in, but it’s not always on a regular basis and you never know when they’re going to call you again. Silver Talk is there consistently every week at the same time. Even when Mary, my volunteer, was off ill, they arranged for someone else to call me.”
Paul Moralee, Karbon’s Community Investment Manager, said:
“Silver Talk has made a real difference to many people’s lives over the past ten years. It can be harder for some of our older residents to get out and socialise as much as they would like. The Silver Talk calls really give them something to look forward to.
“Alongside the calls, we are constantly signposting, referring or connecting our service users to practical help, support or information they need.”
Silver Talk Coordinator, Christine Fletcher said:
“I’m passionate about combatting loneliness and was aware of Silver Talk since it started in 2012.
“However, it wasn’t until I joined the service that I truly appreciated how much it means to all those involved, and some have been involved since the beginning.
"I love working with the Silver Talk volunteers who are the unsung heroes who develop strong bonds of friendship with those they call. As a Service Coordinator I speak to those who receive the calls too, and see friendships develop and volunteers bloom. It plays a great role in supporting older people across the region.”
Silver Talk’s revival became important during the Covid-19 lockdowns. With so many people isolated and unable to meet up with friends and family, Silver Talk provided a lifeline.
Susan, who has been volunteering with Silver Talk for two years, said:
“I wanted to get involved because I realised a lot of people were isolated by lockdown. They lost contact with relatives, neighbours and friends and lost confidence after being in their homes for a long time.
“A lot of people have turned to Silver Talk because it gives them a chance to get used to talking to people again and build up their confidence.
“I find it really uplifting and rewarding. I look forward to talking to them – we can’t wait to find out what we’ve been up to.”
Keep a look out for more stories from our Silver Talk service users and volunteers throughout October.
How to get involved with Silver Talk
If you can spare an hour or two each week and enjoy listening, chatting and getting to know people, volunteering with Silver Talk is the perfect way to give something back. You can do it from your home and Karbon can provide volunteers with a smartphone to make the calls. Find out more on our Silver Talk volunteering page.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from speaking to a Silver Talk volunteer or would like you volunteer, please contact us by calling 0191 223 8662 or email silvertalk@karbonhomes.co.uk.
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