With 160 people on its books and more joining all the time, Southern Befrienders is always looking for more volunteers.

Before colder weather sets in, when isolation becomes more acute, they would like to hear from potential befrienders.

Debbie Lowe, scheme co-ordinator of the charity, said: ’Last winter we saw a rise in referrals of older, isolated people who would benefit from companionship from one of our volunteer befrienders; someone to call in on a regular basis for a chat and a cuppa, and check that the older person is warm and has food in the fridge.

’If we receive the referrals before winter sets in, we can ensure that vulnerable people have the support they need.’

Regular companionship can be transformational in the present, it can also delay or avoid the onset of mental, physical and emotional problems later in life.

The charity has found its 130 trained and vetted volunteer befrienders have, in the charity’s 12 years, formed enduring friendships.

George Hillesley, 96, of Port Erin, has two befrienders who visit him every week.

Registered blind, he lives with his guide dog, Rena (pictured right), who is now 14 years old and enjoying her retirement.

George worked for the United Nations and following his retirement in 1978, he and his late wife bought a boat in Malta and sailed the Adriatic for five years.

His neighbours pop in to see him and family come to stay, but George said: ’It can get boring sitting on your own with no-one to talk to.’

He has talked a great deal to Lydia Hughes in the last seven years.

Lydia started volunteering for Southern Befrienders when she was in the sixth form at Castle Rushen High School as part of the charity’s intergenerational scheme.

The scheme, which has been running for nearly nine years, trains students in interpersonal skills and then matches them with an older person who they visit every week during term time.

She visited George throughout sixth form and after she left school and right through business college, where she studied accountancy and finance.

Lydia is now a police officer, joining the Manx force in January 2018, and she still visits him. Lydia said: ’I feel I am giving something back to the community.

’I enjoy my visits with George.

’We have interesting conversations. He has done so much in his life there is always something different to talk about.’

Like many befriending relationships, fondness and respect have grown over the years until both Lydia and George consider each other to be a member of their own extended families.

If you know someone who’s spending long periods alone and would benefit from regular, one-to-one companionship contact the charity now, so that a befriender can be arranged before winter sets in.

Ring the Southern Befrienders’ office on 833025 or email [email protected]. People can refer themselves.

The charity also needs volunteers who are happy to visit someone for an hour or two every week for a chat and a cuppa, or go for a walk or even to the pub.

Volunteers can also help with weekly social events like lunches, film afternoons, bingo and visits to places of interest.