Careline Calling

Careline operates a telephone befriending service to anyone feeling the effects of isolation, loneliness and social exclusion, particularly the elderly and the most vulnerable. The service covers the Derbyshire Dales and East Staffordshire.

Founded in 1997, the charity is based in St Oswald's Hospital, Ashbourne. Telephone calls are offered free to service users and are made 365 days a year including all Bank Holidays. The telephone calls are made by a team of over sixty volunteers, who volunteer for on average 4 hours a month.

There are 3 calling sessions each day (morning, midday, afternoon), service users choose the days of the week and know the approximate time they will receive their call. As well as having a friendly chat, Careline provides advice, information packs and sign-posts onto other support services from the multi-disciplinary integrated Health & Social Care network in the area.

The service aims to help service users avoid crisis situations and to support them to live independently in their own homes. Follow up telephone calls are made to family members or other contacts if Careline are not able to reach a service user during a calling session; providing reassurance and an early warning system in case of potential problems. Regular contact is kept with family members to avoid crisis situations.

If you know of someone who would benefit from a regular befriending call, of if you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.