Boris Johnson urges public to tackle pandemic loneliness and give those home alone 'a bell'

Prime Minister Boris Johnson picked up the phone to speak to a lonely pensioner and has been urging the public to do the same to support those home alone during the pandemic.

Mr Johnson and his partner Carrie Symonds spoke to a pensioner to promote a voluntary service tackling loneliness in a week that saw him introduce the strictest Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions for 38 million people in England from Saturday 19 December, which prevents people meeting inside bars and restaurants.

Sixty-nine-year-old Christine Bound answered the PM's call, which was made to promote a "Check In and Chat" service run by NHS Volunteer Responders, working with the Royal Voluntary Service.

The widow, who has severe lung and heart conditions requiring her to isolate throughout the pandemic, said the phone call was "wonderful".

Christine Bound told the Prime Minister: "The one thing I'd like to say, Prime Minister, is that the whole country has pulled together".

Mr Johnson replied: "It has, hasn't it?"

PM: 'Give someone a bell'

In a video message posted on Twitter, the Prime Minister urged the public to "give someone a bell”.

"We've seen an incredible outpouring of kindness and compassion this year and by pulling together again in that spirit we can stop people feeling lonely.

"This year has been tough on everyone, but it has been doubly - quadruply - tough on those struggling with loneliness and those who have had to take extra care to keep safe from the virus.

"And so sometimes simply hearing a friendly voice on the other end of the phone can help immeasurably - even if it's just for a moment or two."

Boris Johnson, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford and Labour's deputy Leader Angela Rayner all made calls in support of the service run by NHS Volunteers.

Nicola Sturgeon: Words can't describe 'how tough this pandemic has been'

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon spoke to 70-year-old Chris Smith from Fife, who is registered blind, had a stroke in April and has spent lockdown alone at home.

He has been helped by a Kindness Call volunteer from Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon said: "It was great to speak to Chris. We talked about the passion he has for food and how much the calls he shares every week matter to him."

"It's clear that the kindness calls make a huge difference and have really helped Chris at a difficult time.

"Words will never be able to describe how tough this pandemic has been for people across the country. But even small acts of kindness like a phone call to someone who may be feeling lonely can give so much hope."

Wales' First Minister 'Testing time for us all'

Mark Drakeford, First Minister for Wales, phoned 60 year-old Colin Elliott, in Rhondda Cynon Taf, who has been shielding at home alone throughout the pandemic because of a health condition.

Colin Elliott said he receives weekly "Safe and Well" calls from Royal Voluntary Service volunteers which he said have "made him feel much less isolated".

Mark Drakeford said: "Please reach out to those you know who might feel lonely. A quick chat with a friend, family member or neighbour can do the world of good. This is a testing time for all of us.

Charities have backed the leader's calls for the public to contact someone facing loneliness and consider becoming an NHS Volunteer Responder.

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner talked to Janice Meaeds whose mother died suddenly and has been shielding at home alone during the pandemic because of health issues.

After discovering Janice Maeeds relies on volunteers for shopping and companionship, Angela Rayner said: "This pandemic has had an impact on all of us, but there is no doubt that it has been especially tough for those who have had to face the last year alone."