In December we found out more about being a tea party group coordinator. This month we caught up with call companion coordinator Sheena, 67, who coordinates three call companion groups. 

“It was my daughter, Gemma, who first heard of Re-engage and suggested I get in touch. I wasn’t working at the time, as I had to retire earlier than expected, and she thought I would enjoy phoning someone who was struggling with loneliness. At that point you weren’t looking for call companions, and I was asked if I might consider becoming a coordinator.” 

Sheena now works part-time at her local branch of the retailer, Seasalt, and the group coordinator role fits in well with her lifestyle. 

“My role is to be the first point of contact with the older people and call companions in my group. One of the most important parts of my role is to make sure that I keep everyone’s details safe and secure. I‘ve always liked to organise myself with the help of a spreadsheet which I password protect to keep my group’s personal data safe.  

“I get to talk to people from different backgrounds who are spread out across the whole of the UK including Prestyn, Plymouth, Aberdeen and Chester.  

“Even though I’ve been doing this role for 18 months now, I’m still amazed at how much the older people in my groups really appreciate the calls.  When I hear about the isolation and other circumstances that affect some older people's lives, it nearly brings me to tears."

We couldn’t finish our conversation without asking Sheena who her celebrity call companion would  be, if she could choose anyone. 

“Graham Norton - he’s a good listener, a good storyteller, he comes across as being interested in people, oh and he’s funny.”