The Telephone Service offers a regular call to isolated, lonely older people in the Sunderland Area. The office is staffed by a co-ordinator, and a team of volunteers. We provide a regular point of contact for the older person giving them a friendly call to look forward to. Some older people feel that they couldn't accept a visitor coming into their own homes, but a regular call builds up a friendship without intrusion. Most of our clients are extremely encouraged to think that someone cares enough to make a call to them. Once regular contact has been established clients then feel that they can ask for advice and information.