Being blind or partially sighted when you live alone can make you feel very isolated.

The Bureau in Glossop offers a call companion and sight loss befriending service.

It’s run by Paul Kiddy, who said that when it began a few years ago they had five or six clients. Now they have 150 clients who 15 volunteers speak to each week.

Paul said: “As a visually impaired man myself, I offer support through weekly phone calls and advice on things such as magnifiers or other equipment. I also work closely with the Talking Newspaper Team here at The Bureau.”

Paul also runs a group where partially sighted and blind people can meet once a month at the Norfolk Arms in Glossop.

He added: “Since the pandemic broke out we have spoken to more than 10,000 people over the phone who would otherwise have little or no contact with the outside world.

“It’s been great because we’ve been able to refer people to the services they need such as bereavement counselling and link them up with volunteer drivers who can take them to medical or dental appointments.”

“We also can help them get out and socialise more or help them get shopping.

“Volunteers can end up being a real friend as we speak to clients so often.

“It’s about being there, supporting them, making them laugh, just generally providing people with a lifeline.

“To be able to have that phone call with someone when they haven’t been able to see their families has been valuable.”

If anyone wants a befriending phone call or to volunteer, you can ring The Bureau on 01457 865722.

Read more from the Glossop Chronicle

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper