EGN NEWS DESK
A free phone line that gives religious assist for older individuals has been relaunched – simply weeks after its closure was introduced due to lack of funding.
The DailyHope phone line serves many individuals in later life unable to take part in particular person with church life in the neighborhood, both in the long run, or quickly attributable to illness or medical therapy. It was launched in the course of the Covid pandemic.
The recorded phoneline supplies a significant religious useful resource aimed on the round six million UK individuals aged over 65 who’re both unable to make use of the web safely and efficiently or should not on-line in any respect.
In January, the organisation Faith in Later Life introduced that the road must be suspended due to a scarcity of funding. It got here as many church buildings have been being inspired to ‘develop youthful’ and put an emphasis on reaching youthful individuals.
Now their chief government officer Alexandra Drew has introduced that the telephone line is again in motion.
She stated: “Closing the DailyHope line was a particularly heart-wrenching determination to make. I do know that it has been a lifeline to many older individuals, particularly these unable to attend church in particular person, and with out entry to religious consolation.”
Now extra funding has been secured, DailyHope has been relaunched, with a drive to seek out new content material and content-providers.
Alexandra Drew stated: “We’re wanting ahead to welcoming new callers, in addition to content material suppliers and funding companions, to assist us to proceed to deliver DailyHope to older individuals, and others who’re staying at house.”
Broadcaster Pam Rhodes, an envoy for Faith in Later Life, stated: “DailyHope has introduced Christian fellowship by way of the landline into the houses of so many, filling their hearts and souls with God’s presence and luxury by way of phrase, prayer and music.
“It’s no marvel that DailyHope has remained so well-liked – and the thought that this important service might have been misplaced to those that worth and rely on it introduced actual despair. But now, we’re grateful to God that DailyHope has been saved. This is fantastic information.”
The DailyHope free phone service is obtainable on 0800 804 8044. Churches and Christians are being inspired to publicise the phone quantity extensively.
Rev Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts, and a former communications director with the CofE.
