Charity worker helping older people needs help himself for Three Peaks Challenge

Charity worker David Dingley is calling for help as he takes on the Three Peaks Challenge.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Mar 2016, 15:14 BST
Updated 22nd Mar 2016, 16:17 BST
David DingleyDavid Dingley
David Dingley

He is aiming to scale Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon in just 24 hours to raise money for The Silver Line – the national, free, confidential 24/7 helpline for lonely and isolated older people.

David, who recruits and supports volunteers for The Silver Line across Bedfordshire, aims to raise enough money to pay for at least four people to be supported by the helpline and to have a Silver Line Friend for a year.

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The volunteer manager said: “Most older people call The Silver Line helpline at weekends and in the evenings – we’re there to help them when no one else is.

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“But running the helpline, training volunteers, and the cost of all calls are paid for by donations, so raising money is constant challenge for us. That’s why I’m asking people in Bedfordshire to help by sponsoring my Three Peaks Challenge.”

To support David Dingley go to https://www.justgiving.com/Davids3peakchallenge or go direct to The Silver Line’s website: http://www.thesilverline.org.uk/donate/

The Silver Line helpline operates around-the-clock, 365-days-a-year, to provide information and support and receives around 10,000 calls a day from lonely and isolated older people. Founded by Dame Esther Rantzen, it offers friendship and advice, and signposts callers to other resources in their community.

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The Silver Line also operates a telephone friendship scheme, where an older person is matched with a volunteer Silver Line Friend who shares their interests. They enjoy a regular weekly chat together – with many matches blossoming into real friendships. It’s free for both the volunteer and the older person.

David added: “With the growing number of callers we also need more volunteers from Bedfordshire to become Silver Line Friends.

“It just takes 30 minutes a week to chat with an isolated older person and really make a difference. To volunteer just call 0800 470 8090 or go to our website www.thesilverline.org.uk”

The Silver Line Helpline: 0800 470 8090.

Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk