Telephone service eases loneliness

The Senior Help Line provides an important service for elderly people in Ireland, says Rachel Borrill.

LAST week, British TV presenter Esther Rantzen launched a telephone service for older people after being impressed by the Irish Senior Help Line.

Rantzen, who has spoken in detail about the crushing feelings of loneliness she felt after her husband Desmond Wilcox died in 2000, says the Christmas season can be very difficult for many older people.