The Good Morning programme, which operates across Northern Ireland, provides social calls and wellbeing checks for older people. Almost 18% of people in Northern Ireland report feeling lonely “at least some of the time”, according to the latest figures from the Executive.

For Una McCrory, the Mid Ulster branch was recommended after her husband’s death left her living alone. She said joining was “one of the best decisions” she ever made, and now looks forward to every call. “You make friends there, too,” she explained. “Even in town, if you meet them, they give you a wave.”

Run between 9am and 1pm on weekdays, the calls not only provide companionship but can also be lifesaving. Libby Higham, from the Antrim programme, said the team has on occasion dispatched someone to check on service users who had fallen and could not reach help. “Sometimes the call starts with laughter, but the next minute they’re crying and opening up.”

For Eddie Smiles, the calls have eased anxiety and depression. Volunteers remind him to take medication and suggest local support groups. “It’s not just about a job to them, it’s a vocation,” he said.

Volunteers themselves say they benefit too. Sandra McKenna, who joined after her mother’s death, described the people she calls as “like replacement mothers”. Yvonne Gilmore added: “It has gone from a quick hello to lengthy conversations. They’re more like family.”

Since its beginnings in 2006, Good Morning Mid Ulster has grown from four users to more than 1,100, with volunteers making up to 800 calls a day. Manager Marie Devlin said demand is constant, as loneliness continues to affect people of all ages.