A Basingstoke grandmother has been praised for her volunteer work with the Red Cross.

Retired art and pottery teacher Gill Waller, 70, has been making calls to 120 people each week from her home during lockdown.

The grandmother’s role often means uncovering real hardship, like a patient who came home from hospital to no gas and electricity.

Not knowing where to turn, they weren’t able to make a cup of tea or hot meal for two whole days, but thanks to Gill’s help, the Red Cross was able to send help.

Gill, who lives with her husband, son, daughter-in-law and two young grandchildren, has also been helping vulnerable families to access food banks and financial support.

“Some people are very lonely and glad to have someone to talk to – someone interested in their welfare, who can listen and make helpful suggestions about what they might do," she said.

"Just having a conversation is the main thing.

“At the beginning of the lockdown people were having a lot of practical problems, such as getting their shopping. But most people seem to be coping now - it’s the social isolation side of things that people are struggling with.

“You have to listen very carefully and pick up on things people may not be saying, ask again, make sure people are not just putting on a brave face.”

“It’s a great feeling when I phone them again and the suggestions I’ve made have paid off.”

If you’re at home and finding it hard to access food or medication, or feeling lonely or worried, the British Red Cross is just a phone call away. Call their coronavirus support line on 08081963651 or find out more at https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/coronavirus/support-line