The team behind a befriending service created to help the East Riding’s most vulnerable and socially isolated residents have issued an urgent plea for more volunteers.

The CallER Collective service was launched by HEY Smile Foundation, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and various local charitable organisations on March 27 during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic and just four days after the country was placed in the first lockdown.

It was sparked by the passion of an anonymous local individual who made a generous donation to kickstart the initiative and help to cover costs.

Funded by the council and more recently the National Lottery Community Fund, the service provides vital telephone calls to those who feel lonely and isolated, giving them a supportive and caring ear, or advice, when they need it most. When the service first launched, dozens of volunteers came forward to help, including many who had been furloughed or found themselves out of work due to the disruption caused by the pandemic.

Now, as many of the volunteers have returned to work or found alternative employment, the service needs more willing individuals to offer their time to those who continue to need befriending support, particularly after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced England will face a second four-week lockdown from November 5.

It comes as Befriending Week runs across the UK from November 1-7, raising awareness of befriending and the impact it has on individuals and communities in helping to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. This year’s focus is on health and wellbeing, and the benefits befriending can bring to volunteers as well as those who receive support.

HEY Smile Foundation Chief Executive Andy Barber said: “It is widely recognised that loneliness isn’t only a problem because of the Covid-19 pandemic. People need befriending all year round and this year, particularly during the lockdown period, has shone a vital spotlight on this important issue.

“We need more volunteers to come forward to ensure we can continue to meet the demand of the service and keep offering this support, which they have come to reply upon. As we prepare for the second lockdown, this support is needed now, more than ever.

“Volunteering in this way doesn’t take up too much time and could even be one hour per week during a lunch break.

“I’m really proud that we are able to lead this project and we’re looking forward to seeing it continue with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

“Working in partnership is essential for bringing about positive changes and we’ve seen what a great difference this service is making to those who need it most across the East Riding.”

Since the CallER Collective service began in March, 175 people across the East Riding have received regular befriending calls, which has resulted in 2,550 calls more than 575 hours of support.

From September 24 to October 19 alone, 50 calls were made over 35 hours by 22 volunteers, making a difference to the lives of those who received the support.

The service has also had the backing of other local organisations and businesses, including Humber Teaching NHS Trust and the One Point.

Councillor Richard Burton, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “It is so important that residents have access to the support they need during these challenging times, particularly if they are vulnerable and isolated.

“The CallER Collective service has proved to be a vital lifeline for those who need befriending and take comfort from knowing someone is there to talk to on the end of a phone.

Volunteer Marilyn Allen, from Elloughton, has offered her time to the service since it began in March and has since befriended two ladies whom she keeps in regular contact with.

Marilyn said: “I’m 70, so I was shielding and I wanted to do something when Covid happened.

“I really enjoy volunteering and it has been a two-way thing. I now have two friends out there and I’ve never actually met them.

“One of my ladies is 95 and she tells me her woes and then we talk about other things. They recall their memories and talk about their lives, and it takes them away from sitting on their own and being lonely.”

The CallER service is available from 8am to 10pm every day and can be accessed by calling 01482 215929. For more information, please click here.

If you want to find out more about volunteering for CallER Collective, please email hello@heysmilefoundation.org or call 01482 590270.

Anyone who needs support beyond befriending can also contacted the East Riding of Yorkshire Council team on 01482 393919.