Cockermouth friends illustrate the many benefits of Linking Lives

Cockermouth Linking Lives is one of the largest befriending schemes in the country - and if these two are anything to go by then that's no surprise.

Marian Paige and Alan Saunders at her Cockermouth home (Image: Newsquest)

The charity, which has supported more than 200 lonely and isolated individuals since being set up more than four years ago, is always keen to hear from new volunteers - and those seeking support.

Marian, 90, moved to Cockermouth six years ago, from Surrey.

She used to go to church but as her mobility waned she was forced to stop. She became housebound with carers coming in four times a day but few visitors.

Marian was put in touch with Cockermouth Linking Lives in 2019, shortly after it was launched.

She was linked up with a woman who visited her weekly and maintained telephone contact during the pandemic.

"We would sit for an hour each week and have a good chat," said Marian. Two years ago, family issues meant the woman had to give up her befriending role.

And so Marian was introduced to Alan. Linking Lives co-ordinator Sue Gorman had thought they would be a good match. And she was absolutely right.

Alan, 74, from Cockermouth visits Marian weekly but regularly stays well beyond an hour as the couple have so much to talk about.

"It's brilliant, he and I can talk about such diverse subjects. One week we might be talking about history, another time it will be films, gender, current affairs, all sorts," said Marian.

"One day my carer came to give me lunch, when she came back at tea time we were still talking!"

There is no doubt that Alan enjoys the conversations as much as Marian.

"Marian has physical problems but has a wonderful brain. She has a great memory and is so intelligent, " he said.

Marian worked as a hairdresser, training people from all over the world in a London studio. She spent many years living on a long boat in various parts of England, including the capital.

Alan worked in adult higher education and academia before retiring eight years ago.

"I come once a week but if anything occurs through the week I'm here for Marian," he said.

"She has such a rich panoply of memories and events. She's well travelled and has an amazing spirit."

Alan has experienced the importance of Linking Lives from both sides.

Four years ago he was immuno suppressed and not able to go out during Covid.

"I was isolated and had telephone calls and occasional visits for weeks with someone from Linking Lives," said Alan.

"In western society we have more people than most living alone. It's a massive issue.

"Now I've switched over - poacher turned game keeper."

Marian is in no doubt about his visits. "It's the highlight of my week," she said.

The feeling is mutual. "I think it's become that for me too," said Alan.

"Sue Gorman got the perfect match.

"Marian has the most indomitable spirit, she's always positive. I've never met anyone like her.

"We can have broad-ranging, rewarding conversations, she always responds with immediacy and precision. She's a joy to be with."

Marian said: "I've never suffered from loneliness.

"It's a joy to have him around. Linking Lives is so important, I have got so much out of it. I only hope other people can get as much."

The scheme was launched by Churches Together in the Cockermouth Area (CTiCA). The charity also runs a weekly crafty lunch club and cafe.

It costs around £10,000 per annum to run the service and relies on grants, legacies, donations and fundraising.

Operations manager Terry Peate said: "Loneliness and isolation are issues that have a major impact on an individual’s wellbeing in terms of both physical and mental health.

"Loneliness is a bigger problem nationally than the obesity crisis, but rarely gets the same coverage."

For more details go to: www.linkinglives.uk/cockermouth