Pauline's Story

'I have loved receiving phone calls from my volunteer during lockdown. It is nice to be able to speak to someone.'

Pauline has always loved going to weekly Hertswise group. Meeting her friends and joining in with various activities keeps  her busy.

Pauline is really fortunate to have a very supportive family but having given up her car just before lockdown she felt the constraints of being at home.

'I get lonely, I miss being at the club. There is only so much you can do.'

Our staff and volunteers at Hertswise have been running online groups via Zoom, but Pauline is unable to access the Zoom groups as she has no internet access.

“I’m lucky to have my daughter but I miss going to my groups.”

“Unless I phone somebody it’s quiet. It breaks up the day even if I can’t always remember what we talk about! It’s nice to talk to anybody as my local village is shut down.”

Although we are calling Pauline weekly, this wasn’t really enough.

We matched her with one of our wonderful volunteers, Louise, who is able to call Pauline more often.

Since they have been matched together the pair have formed a really nice bond and Pauline looks forward to her calls from Louise each week.

“I’ve loved receiving phone calls from Louise during lockdown – it’s nice to be able to speak to someone, and have that interaction and social connection.”