“Smile as You Dial”

How Glossop’s Call Companions are combating loneliness one phone call at a time

In a quiet corner of Glossop, a simple phone call is changing lives. For the past ten years, Call Companions, a volunteer-led telephone befriending service run through The Bureau community hub, has been offering comfort, conversation, and connection to isolated residents across Glossopdale.

Founded by Paul Kiddy, the project began modestly with Paul making weekly calls to just five people. A decade later, the service has grown into a vital network, reaching more than 105 people each week thanks to 15 dedicated volunteers. Collectively, they’ve spent over one million minutes chatting with those who might otherwise spend much of their week in silence.

“A call can be a lifeline,” says Paul, who is himself visually impaired. “It gives people a window on the world outside. That one conversation may open doors to other help from arranging transport to hospital appointments to simply lifting someone’s spirits.”

The team behind Call Companions is a mix of backgrounds and ages retirees, students, people with health challenges, all united by a shared goal to make others feel seen, heard, and valued. Volunteers are carefully matched with clients to build genuine connections. “We have a widowed volunteer who calls several widowed clients,” Paul explains. “It creates an instant bond and shared understanding.”

In an age where text messages often replace real conversation, Call Companions stands out for keeping the art of talking alive. “Smile as you dial,” Paul likes to tell his team. “You can hear a smile down the phone, and it really makes a difference.”

The initiative operates entirely within the Glossopdale area and is supported through community donations and grants. Its impact has been compared to national efforts like ITV’s 1 Million Minutes campaign, but this local version proves that small towns can deliver big results.

As the population ages and more people find themselves living alone or away from family, the importance of projects like this continues to grow. Some clients receive only brief visits from carers each day, leaving hours of solitude behind closed doors. For them, that scheduled chat with a Call Companion might be the highlight of their week.

Paul is now inviting new volunteers to get involved. “You don’t have to be an expert,” he says. “If you like to talk and have an hour or two to spare, we’d love you to join us. The calls can be made from home, and we’ll support you every step of the way.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or referring someone who could use a friendly call can contact The Bureau directly in Glossop on 01457 865722

Paul signs off every call: “Smile as you dial. It’s good to talk!”