Company offering phone chats to lonely pensioners

Lonely pensioners can sign up for a weekly phone call from today to have a chat – with a member of staff from a broadband company.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Feb 2010, 10:28 BST

Updated 18th Feb 2010, 10:29 BST

The free calls for the over-65s are being offered by TalkTalk as a chance for a natter and to check everything is all right.

Communications director Mark Schmid said: "We're not trying to replace social services and charities but our research shows that the service we're providing meets a need not currently being met."

Under the We'll Call You scheme an older person living alone can receive a weekly call, lasting no more than five minutes, to discuss the news, gossip about the week's TV, or ask for information about local services.

TalkTalk said the call would never be used to sell a product or service.

People wanting to set up the service should call 0203 417 1008 or visit http://broadband.

talktalk.co.uk/we-love-the-web/well-call-you

TalkTalk People