About Careline

The idea for Careline was first discussed in early 1997 by representatives from Derbyshire Rural Community Council, Age Concern, Ashbourne Volunteer Bureau, Ashbourne Health Centre, Social Services, and Community Transport. They shared a common goal: to create a telephone befriending service for people who might otherwise feel alone. After an article in the Ashbourne Telegraph, several volunteers came forward, and on 1 September 1997, Careline made its first calls.

Nearly three decades later, we are still going strong and continuing to grow. Today, our large team of dedicated volunteers makes daily or regular calls to members, 365 days a year, including weekends and bank holidays. We currently make approximately 11,000 calls each year, averaging 200+ calls per week.

Originally serving the southern Derbyshire Dales, including Ashbourne, Wirksworth, and the surrounding 82 villages, Careline has since expanded its reach, thanks to support from the Big Lottery, Reaching Communities, and our local community. We now cover all of Derbyshire Dales, Erewash, and East Staffordshire.

Our members include individuals and couples who may find it difficult to get out without help, who are feeling lonely or isolated, or who are experiencing depression and anxiety, and who would value more social contact. We also call people who have been recently bereaved, recently discharged from hospital, carers in need of a friendly ear, and, since the Covid-19 pandemic, those working from home who appreciate regular conversation.

The calls themselves are more than just a chat, they provide companionship, a sense of belonging, and an extra layer of support. They also act as a safety net, helping us spot potential problems before they become crises. If we cannot reach a member, we follow up with family or other contacts to ensure all is well.

Members choose the days and times they would like to be called, with three call sessions available:

• Morning – 10am to 12 noon
• Midday – 12 noon to 2pm
• Afternoon – 2pm to 4pm

We work closely with local community, voluntary, and statutory organisations – including Social Prescribers, Community Co-ordinators, and GPs – to ensure our members’ needs are met in a joined-up way. Referrals come from professionals as well as from individuals, friends, and family (with the person’s permission).

Our volunteers are drawn from the communities we serve, representing all ages and backgrounds. They are kind, discreet, and non-judgemental, making calls either from our office at St Oswald’s Hospital in Ashbourne or from home, using a secure, password-protected database. Volunteer time commitments are flexible, ranging from just a couple of hours a month to weekly or fortnightly shifts – whatever suits them best.

We are always keen to recruit new volunteers – please see our Volunteering page above for more information.