Age Cymru is offering a check-in-and-chat telephone service for the over 70s in Wales who live alone.

The service started on Monday, 23 March.

It is hoped that the initiative will help provide some reassurances to older people, answer basic queries and link people to local services and support during the coronavirus outbreak.

The service comes as we are all advised to self-isolate as far as possible to help protect everyone from the virus.

This is particularly important for people over 70 and those with underlying health conditions because they are at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms if they become infected.

Age Cymru’s chief executive Victoria Lloyd said: “These are potentially difficult times for many older people, especially those living alone who may not have anyone to share their concerns.

“Others may just want to have a chat about what they saw on television last night. Hopefully, this initiative will help older people cope with some of the challenges arising from the coronavirus outbreak.”

Anyone over 70 in Wales can register with Age Cymru, free of charge, to receive a regular telephone call from the charity in either English or Welsh. All you have to do call the Age Cymru Advice Number on 08000 223 444 or email [email protected].