Sidford retirement community backs Esther's charity

Dame Esther Rantzen is backing an initiative to tackle loneliness and isolation among older people – and a retirement development at Sidford plans to join in.

A series of virtual Catch Up Over Coffee events, organised by Churchill Retirement Living, aim to give people the chance to raise money for The Silver Line charity by getting together online. 

Churchill says it will donate £5 to the older people’s helpline for everyone who attends the virtual events or books an appointment to visit one of its developments between now and February 27. Churchill’s development of 40 one and two-bedroom retirement apartments at Lockyer Lodge in Sidford is taking part in the online catch-up.

The company’s ambassador Dame Esther will attend some of the events to share stories from her career and talk about the importance of keeping connected during lockdown. The Silver Line, which Dame Esther founded in 2012, operates the only confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year, helping to combat loneliness and isolation.

Dame Esther said: “This is an opportunity to meet like-minded people online and find out more about the lifestyle on offer with Churchill Retirement Living, using the miracle of a virtual visit, all from the comfort of your own home. I’m looking forward to meeting people for a good online conversation, and I’m delighted that the company is donating £5 to The Silver Line for everyone who attends, helping us to provide support and advice for many older people at this difficult time.”

The virtual event at Lockyer Lodge will take place on Tuesday, March 2.

You can call 0800 458 1857 or visit churchillretirement.co.uk/virtualcoffeemorning to request a link and guide to join the event.

Churchill’s regional marketing manager Caroline Haswell said: “Many people have found themselves feeling lonely and isolated during the pandemic, but with brighter days ahead now is the perfect time to think about a fresh start and a new lifestyle. 

“These events give people a chance to connect over a cup of coffee.”