Meet Frederick

Frederick started working at the Post Office as a telegram boy at 14. He served two years' National Service, then went back to the job he'd left, staying for 42 years until a cycling accident forced him to retire early. He's 93 now, lives on his own in North London, and has been in the same house for 60 years.

These days he sees very little of anyone. His daughter visits each week; beyond that, the days are quiet. So when a Re-engage Call Companion started phoning every Tuesday, it made a real difference.

"At least I know I'll get a regular call every Tuesday from Sue, and it makes me feel much better," he says. "We discuss all kinds of things, and afterwards I feel a lot better. Having someone make regular contact with you is an unexpected pleasure.

"The days are very long and I do get a bit fed up with everything. When you're younger you never think about illness or being lonely. But you get to that point where you can't do the things you used to. It's not good, but it happens.

"I've lived here 60 years. I used to know most of the neighbours, but they've all moved on. One morning I managed to go and buy a paper using my walking frame, but it really exhausted me. That's why I hardly get out.

"So the phone calls are really important to me. They're a link to the outside world. I know there's someone there I can talk to, even if it's only for a short while. I thought I'd just have a couple of calls at Christmas, but they've carried on, which really is good. I want them to carry on as long as possible."