SPONSORED CONTENT

THE simple act of talking to someone can provide a powerful boost to health and overall wellbeing.

Being able to have a chat is uplifting, research has found, with direct conversation a key element in feeling connected and part of a wider community.

Yet a recent study by the government has revealed thousands of older people across the UK are unable to enjoy the benefits of daily conversation because they struggle to get outside or meet up regularly with friends and family.

The issue is something Cumbria-firm Alertacall is determined to tackle to help ensure the life-changing power of talking and one to one contact is available to all who want it.

The company pioneered the world-leading OKEachDay phone and Clever Contact service to help thousands of people to live independent lives in their own homes for as long as possible.

Many customers simply press a button on the phone each day to signal that they are fine before carrying on with whatever activities they have planned.

Others prefer to chat to a member of the team instead.

Crucially, customers are in complete control of the type and amount of contact they have on a daily basis.

Elliot Mather, who works at Alertacall, said talking to people on the phone every day was one of the best parts of his job.

“Many people press the button every day and are happy to use that function of the OKEachDay phone to let us know they are alright.

“But other people like us to give them a call, and for me and my colleagues, this is one of the nicest parts of the job.

“No-one has to ask for a call, we get in touch if they don’t press the button and we’re always happy to have a chat.

“Sometimes we might talk about the weather or what’s been on TV while other people will tell us about memories they have of holidays or things they’ve done in the past.

“Not only is it interesting, but knowing we are making a real difference to someone’s day is incredibly rewarding.

“It’s something I enjoy doing every single day and knowing it is so beneficial to good health and wellbeing is even better.”

Feeling isolated or lonely is being billed as one of the greatest public health challenges of our time with the government predicting that loneliness will affect two million people nationwide by 2025.

A government report compiled with the Jo Cox Foundation, published in October, unveiled startling statistics on how feeling cut off can adversely affect health - increasing the likelihood of conditions such as heart disease, strokes and dementia.

Three-quarters of GPs surveyed as part of the investigation said they see up to five people every day who are suffering from loneliness.

The study went on to the feeling of isolation is expected to have increased by 49 per cent in the 10 years leading to 2026.

Meanwhile, new research carried out by the charity Age UK found 1.7 million people in England have gone for a month without meeting up with a friend.

However, 3.4 million older people say regular chats have the ability to brighten their day.

Carmen Partington has worked at Alertacall for two and a half years. Her role includes chatting to customers who prefer a call as well as those who haven’t pressed their OKEachDay button.

“We get to know people as we talk to them regularly,” she explained. “It’s lovely to be able to build up a rapport with them.

“Often people do have family but they don’t live nearby or perhaps work during the day so can’t have a chat. Other people are isolated because it’s difficult for them to get out of the house.

“We know we might be the only person they are going to speak to that day. But that’s what we’re here for.

“It’s a really nice part of the job for us all, it makes you feel valued and that you are helping to make someone’s day.”


Alertacall gathering praise for innovation

GREAT NEWS: Martin Cutbill, Alertacall director

THE team at Clever Contact firm Alertacall are celebrating after being named among the Cumbrian businesses “blazing a trail” across the UK.

The company, based in Windermere, was highlighted as a “hidden gem” among the county’s most innovative and successful businesses in the in-Cumbria magazine Hot 100 list of 2019.

The list, published last week, considered the impact businesses in Cumbria are having now, also taking into account their future potential, the innovations they are making as well as the world-class products and services they are delivering.

It featured renowned firms such as BAE Systems Submarines, Carrs, James Cropper Plc and The Cumberland.

The accolade comes as Alertacall was also selected as one of just four Cumbrian firms to be selected in BusinessCloud’s North West Tech 251 list, which celebrates the best and most disruptive tech companies in the North West.

Martin Cutbill, Alertacall director, said recognition for the achievements of the service and the difference it was able to make using advances in technology was excellent.

But he added the firm remained focused on its original aim - to improve the lives of people who want to continue to live independently and safely at home.

“It was really great news to be included in the list of Cumbria’s most innovative businesses as well as going forward to the North West Tech 251 event in Manchester,” he said.

“As a company Alertacall is dedicated to making a real difference to people who want to retain fulfilled lives in their own homes.

“We are committed to developing new technology and carrying out research to enable us to continually improve our products and service.

“It’s also a testament to the hard work every member of our team puts towards making sure our customers receive the very best support possible.”

Time is running out to take up free trial

THINK CLEVER: Alertacall’s Clever Contact phone

JUST over two weeks remain for individuals to take advantage of an opportunity to try out Clever Contact and the innovative OKEachDay phone for free.

Cumbria-based firm Alertacall is giving people the chance to trial the easy-to-use phones for six months, with no hidden catches or costs.

Just a few places on the trial remain - with anyone thinking about giving the clever system a go asked to get in touch.

The phone, which promotes independent living, simply plugs into a landline and can be used for normal calls.

But it is also fitted with an OKEachDay button which customers press daily to signal that they are fine.

They can then get on with whatever activities they have planned.

Alternatively, some people prefer to speak to a member of the friendly team. If no contact is made, the team will check to make sure they are alright.

Anyone who would like to request an OKEachDay phone can call 0808 208 1234. This can be on behalf of themselves or someone else. The offer ends on May 12.