A phone call a day keeps the doctor away

• Calls could reduce GP visits for 42% patients
• Potential to free up 588,000 appointments 
• Nearly 50% adults aged 75+ feel more alone in winter

Royal Voluntary Service is urging people to utilise telephone support services to avoid social isolation during winter, after research reveals the impact of a friendly phone call and the challenges of the season.

According to research from the charity, 42% of people who receive telephone support calls say they visit their GP less often as a result (1). With links between loneliness and the demand for primary healthcare services, calls improve wellbeing and could also free up GP appointments and cut waiting times. If people experiencing loneliness (2)  in later life reduced GP visits by one appointment per year, this would open up 588,000 appointments per annum.

As winter approaches and people get out less, feelings of isolation and loneliness can soar particularly for those over 75, Royal Voluntary Service research (3) finds. Left unchecked, these emotions can contribute to further mental and physical health problems.

Almost half (47%) of over 75s surveyed say feelings of loneliness and/or isolation heighten in winter. Of those who live alone, one in six say they feel forgotten during winter, and 20% have no one to turn to for emotional support during the season. 

Among the host of challenges older generations worry about in the colder months, 29% of respondents identify not being able to get out as much as something they dread, up there with higher heating bills (55%). 

The charity’s Stay Safe, Warm and Well campaign, delivered in partnership with long-term partner Yakult, offers wellbeing advice and support throughout the winter, and urges people to prepare for the season not only practically, but emotionally. The Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide includes advice on how to achieve this, including encouraging sign ups to telephone support services and information on accessing the Virtual Village Hall online community of events and activities, as well as providing vital practical guidance on topics such as money-saving advice and energy-saving tips. 

Elaine Paige is an Ambassador for Royal Voluntary Service, and is supporting the call for connection this winter, having made telephone support calls with the charity.

 "I have experienced for myself what a difference a warm and friendly phone call can make to a person’s wellbeing and their outlook. Some conversations leave you smiling long after you’ve hung up the phone, and that is something I think we could all benefit from, especially at this time of year. But for those who feel they’re facing winter without any support, there are some amazing people poised to pick up the phone to remind you that you’re not alone."

 Elaine Paige

(1) Half of people surveyed agreed they would benefit from more friendly conversations. Royal Voluntary Service’s telephone support services match volunteers who are available for a friendly chat, with people across the country who are looking to make new connections and ease feelings of loneliness and isolation.

 "The impact of social connection and having someone to turn to for support and friendly conversation cannot be overstated. Our volunteers make thousands of phone calls every year, which is one of our services boosting people’s health and wellbeing across the country. The feedback that conversations with volunteers are helping people to visit their GP less is testament to the value of connection."

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service

 "Our research with Royal Voluntary Service found that 1one in four adults surveyed over 75 feel they would benefit from some practical guidance and emotional support over the winter months. At Yakult, we understand that emotional, physical and social wellbeing are interconnected. Which is why we are dedicated to helping as many people as possible to access Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide, ahead of another challenging winter."

Reshma Patel, Marketing Manager at Yakult

Those looking to receive telephone support from NHS and Care Volunteer Responders in England can call 0808 196 3646. People in Scotland and Wales can speak to their GP or a health or social care professional, who can make a referral to Royal Voluntary Service’s Calls with Care service, or they can speak to the team on 0800 011 3407.