To mark Time to Talk Day, we spoke to our customer Brian who told us how our Silver Talk service has helped him feel like one of the “luckiest men in the world.”
Brian, an 83-year-old army veteran and former taxi driver who lives in a village near Esh Winning, County Durham, has been enjoying our free friends on the phone service for the last year.
Brian said “My GP, Dr Silvia Orr told me about Silver Talk, I thought it sounded great so she referred me to the service.
“I live on my own and there’s not a lot to do other than watch the TV, so it’s really nice to have someone to talk to. I really look forward to my calls.”
Silver Talk involves our friendly, fully trained volunteers contacting residents over fifty for an up to thirty-minute chat, at the same time each week. It’s ideal for people who may feel lonely at times, who would benefit from a friendly voice and a listening ear.
Brian is matched with Silver Talk volunteer Del Bowes who calls Brian every Monday to chat about whatever takes their fancy.
“I turn my TV off just before Del’s about to call and wait by the phone to ring, he always calls on time. We always have a great chat and the time flies. You can tell he loves doing it.
“We’re a really good match and just agree on everything. We both love sport, have the same outlook on life, and get on well – we put the world to rights.”
Brian was born on the same street in 1938 and now lives three doors down from the house he grew up in.
He served in the army for twelve years, three of which were as a reservist – a job he absolutely loved as he got to travel the world and make great friends.
Following his time in the army, Brian moved to Cornwall where he started his own taxi business. started driving taxis. But when he suffered a severe heart attack followed by a stroke he was forced to stop working.
“Everything fell apart after that and I wasn’t able to do as much so I decided to move back home.”
Since then, Brian has been able to get some fantastic support, not just from Silver Talk, but from his family and his neighbours.
“My son and daughter visit as much as they can and my neighbours are fantastic, helping me with the shopping, fixing things around the house and helping me with my doctor’s appointments.
“I do feel like the luckiest man in the world and Del is the icing on the cake.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for the calls. I think it’s a great service.”
If you know someone who would benefit from this service, please visit our Silver Talk page to find out more.
If you would like to volunteer for Silver Talk and make a world of difference to someone’s wellbeing, please visit our volunteer's page.
Mind’s Time to Talk Day takes place on Thursday 3 February. It’s a day about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends or colleagues about mental health.
You can find out more about Time to Talk Day at www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day-2022/
To mark Time to Talk Day, we spoke to our customer Brian who told us how our Silver Talk service has helped him feel like one of the “luckiest men in the world.”
Brian, an 83-year-old army veteran and former taxi driver who lives in a village near Esh Winning, County Durham, has been enjoying our free friends on the phone service for the last year.
Brian said “My GP, Dr Silvia Orr told me about Silver Talk, I thought it sounded great so she referred me to the service.
“I live on my own and there’s not a lot to do other than watch the TV, so it’s really nice to have someone to talk to. I really look forward to my calls.”
Silver Talk involves our friendly, fully trained volunteers contacting residents over fifty for an up to thirty-minute chat, at the same time each week. It’s ideal for people who may feel lonely at times, who would benefit from a friendly voice and a listening ear.
Brian is matched with Silver Talk volunteer Del Bowes who calls Brian every Monday to chat about whatever takes their fancy.
“I turn my TV off just before Del’s about to call and wait by the phone to ring, he always calls on time. We always have a great chat and the time flies. You can tell he loves doing it.
“We’re a really good match and just agree on everything. We both love sport, have the same outlook on life, and get on well – we put the world to rights.”
Brian was born on the same street in 1938 and now lives three doors down from the house he grew up in.
He served in the army for twelve years, three of which were as a reservist – a job he absolutely loved as he got to travel the world and make great friends.
Following his time in the army, Brian moved to Cornwall where he started his own taxi business. started driving taxis. But when he suffered a severe heart attack followed by a stroke he was forced to stop working.
“Everything fell apart after that and I wasn’t able to do as much so I decided to move back home.”
Since then, Brian has been able to get some fantastic support, not just from Silver Talk, but from his family and his neighbours.
“My son and daughter visit as much as they can and my neighbours are fantastic, helping me with the shopping, fixing things around the house and helping me with my doctor’s appointments.
“I do feel like the luckiest man in the world and Del is the icing on the cake.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for the calls. I think it’s a great service.”
If you know someone who would benefit from this service, please visit our Silver Talk page to find out more.
If you would like to volunteer for Silver Talk and make a world of difference to someone’s wellbeing, please visit our volunteer's page.
Mind’s Time to Talk Day takes place on Thursday 3 February. It’s a day about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends or colleagues about mental health.
You can find out more about Time to Talk Day at www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day-2022/
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