068 Tackling loneliness and isolation in later life, with Dame Esther Rantzen
We’ve heard many wonderful personal stories of retirement life, but it’s not rosy for everyone. Many people suffer from isolation and loneliness. This week’s guest needs no introduction. Dame Esther Rantzen has been a household name for many years since first appearing on our TV screens as a presenter and journalist. In 1986, she famously launched ChildLine – a free, private and confidential service where children can talk about any issues they’re dealing with. ChildLine is now part of the NSPCC and Esther is still involved. She is also a patron for 19 charities and has a damehood for services to children and older people. More recently, Esther launched The Silver Line – a telephone support service providing information, friendship and advice to older people – that has already received well over 2.5 million calls.