JW3 rolls out free phone service to tackle loneliness during pandemic

JW3 has rolled out a free phone befriending service to combat loneliness during the coronavirus lockdown.

The initiative is aimed at members of the community who are unable to access the internet or who prefer a phone call to other methods of communication.

Since the service was launched this week, over 100 phone calls have been made to people identified at risk of social isolation, including a network of Holocaust survivors.

The Jewish cultural centre in Finchley, forced to close to the public last month to reduce the risk of the virus spreading, recently unveiled a new online cultural hub, entitled JewishOnline.

Jacob Forman, social Action and volunteering programmer at JW3, said: “The risk of social isolation is particularly high for people who are not confident with online communication or cannot go online.

“For many people, hearing a friendly voice on the phone at this tough time will make the world of difference. Anyone who would appreciate a weekly phone call is most welcome to sign up”.

To receive a weekly phone call, you can contact Forman on jacob@jw3.org.uk or on 07927646437 between 10am and 4pm.