Today I answered the GoodSam siren again.

My phone has been going off a lot over the past few days for check in and chat. I’ve been busy with work and not been able to regularly respond.

Today I spoke to Mrs F in Sheffield. She has been isolating all of lockdown on her own. Although keeping positive and extremely greatful for the calls from GoodSam and other support services she said she was very lonely.

Mrs F said “my phone never used to ring and now it rings all the time, it’s great” she told me she had spoken to some lovely people and really enjoyed the chats.

We talked about Yorkshire, London her family and her helpful and kind neighbours.

Mrs F also told me she used to be a dancer and had danced at the Lyceum and the City hall and told me about how being on point for ballet had ruined her feet. She said tap was her favourite and she often tries to dance how she used to, even though she is 70 now. She took great pleasure in talking about this and it was a lovely memory for her to share.

We talked about the weather, our gardens, pets and what we were having for dinner.

I really enjoyed chatting to Mrs F she was a lovely joyful woman. I am always amazed at the strength of people who are isolated during this time.

We said our goodbyes and I wished her well.