ALAPPUZHA: Don't be discouraged by the loneliness of old age without anyone to talk to. The Social Justice Department has launched the 'Sallapam' project, which provides friends over the phone to the elderly living alone. The government has allocated Rs 4,95,750 for the project for the financial year 2025-2026. This comes after the success of the initiative, which was started on a pilot basis a few months ago as part of the Elder Line project.

The elderly can call the Elder Helpline number '14567' and request a phone friend. The helpline call officers of the Directorate of Social Justice will attend the call and understand the situation. The call will then be handed over to volunteers who are MSW students who can talk to each person. The service is available from 8 am to 8 pm. Elderly can talk as long as they want. If necessary, they will also get support from tele-counsellors. Volunteers will help the elderly make phone calls and video calls to their children abroad. In addition to listening to their sorrows and problems and providing comfort, services such as KeLSA for legal issues, Prasanthi for police assistance, and Disha for medical assistance will also be provided through Sallapam.

Five friends from a district

Voluntary students studying social work will be appointed as phone friends. They will be given one-day online training under the guidance of experienced professionals from IMG and NISH. Five students will be selected from a district. Students who complete at least six months will be given a certificate. Each student will be given Rs. 500 per month to recharge their phone. In case of need to meet the elderly in person, a maximum of Rs. 63,250 can be spent per district, including travel allowance.

Even on a trial basis, an average of 45-50 calls are being received per day. Many people are calling regularly and requesting services.

- Elder Helpline,

Department of Social Justice