Calls to befriending helpline higher than expected

Latest call figures from a befriending helpline launched in the Isle of Man are higher than expected.

The scheme has received 11,286 callers from 82 per cent of people over the age of 60 across the UK up to the 9th December last week.

Around five per cent of those callers are from Manx numbers - which is two per cent higher than estimated.

Though launched here, The Silver Line was rolled out across the UK last month with funding from the Big Lottery Fund.

Chairman of The Silver Line Isle of Man Doug Stewart says the figures are telling:

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