Bill's wish
BT launched, Care Home Companions in June 2020 to help tackle loneliness in care homes with the help of partner, HC-One.
The colleague-led initiative offers volunteers from contact centres the opportunity to use their professional skills to chat with residents who might not have anyone else to talk to.
Lockdown and social distancing presented unique difficulties for residents in care homes, with many having to isolate in their rooms for their own protection and follow government guidelines. This made new initiatives to build and maintain connections in a safe way more important than ever.
It was at the start of the pandemic that Bill started speaking with Ricky. They bonded over their shared love of football and Newcastle United, and built up a genuine friendship. It was during one of their weekly calls that Ricky had the idea to make Bill’s lifelong wish come true.