The ideal number for a  “Chat to a group of friends” group is about five or six people. At an agreed time, the volunteer group coordinator contacts each member and they are invited to join the telephone conference call. Once everyone is on line and can hear each other, the group meeting begins. Typically this will last about an hour and at the end members will agree a new date and time for the next meeting. Often it is hard to bring the group meeting to an end as everyone is enjoying themselves so much!

These telephone social groups are aimed mainly at people who find it difficult to leave their own homes, on account of age, disability or caring responsibility.

Local service (East Hampshire, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Hart, Havant, Test Valley, Winchester, Basingstoke and Deane, New Forest, Rushmoor).

Everyone uses their own telephones, with no charges made to their phone bill, and the call is private and confidential.

Phone the free phone number 0800 3 23456 and ask for information on how to join a group.

08/02/2012