It has been announced that the free DailyHOPE telephone line has now closed after almost four years of ministry.
The DailyHOPE telephone line was launched on Sunday 26 April 2020 as a response by the Church of England, Faith in Later Life and Connections at Holy Trinity Church in Claygate to support older people who would not be able to access online worship during lockdown.
The aim was to ensure that the spiritual life of older people could continue to flourish as churches closed their doors to in person worship and events.
The DailyHOPE telephone line stopped providing services on 31 January.
Since its launch, there has been regular new content which has focused on Christmas, summer holidays, dealing with difficulty and even chair exercises. Millions of minutes have been called with a continued monthly average of 10,000 callers, even after lockdown restriction ended.
Speaking about the closure of the DailyHOPE telephone line, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby said:
“At the start of the first lockdown, I was delighted that the Church of England, Faith in Later Life and Connections at Holy Trinity Church in Claygate came together to launch a free national telephone line bringing prayers, hymns and reflections. I know that during those challenging days this phone line literally brought hope day after day to tens of thousands.
“Over these past nearly four years I have been so glad to hear the stories of lives transformed, encouraged and supported by this telephone line. It is therefore sad that we have to cease this service.
“DailyHOPE has been an example of what followers of Jesus can do when they put their minds to making a difference – it has been a wonderful team effort and I am beyond grateful for the skill, drive and commitment given by individuals and charities. A huge amount of work has gone on to make it happen. And of course I want to thank everyone who has called – whether during the day or late at night or first thing in the morning.
“Even though the DailyHOPE telephone line ends, we continue to have Jesus Christ as our hope, help and constant companion and I pray today that many of the older people who are still alone, would know this each and every day.”
Alexandra Drew, Chief Executive Officer of Faith in Later Life added:
“It is with much regret that DailyHOPE is coming to an end because it has brought hope into the lives of thousands of older people for nearly four years, but I rejoice in lives which have been supported through this service.
“We continue to pray for all those who this telephone line has helped. Even though this ministry has come to an end, I know Christians will continue to find creative ways to minister to those who are unable to gather together with others for worship, and I’m delighted to see the wonderful ways in which many are already doing this.”
Pippa Cramer MBE, who co-founded the telephone line and is Pastoral Care and Seniors Minister at Holy Trinity Church, Claygate, in Surrey added:
“What a journey the last three and a half years have been for DailyHOPE!
“It has been the biggest privilege to work with the incredible DailyHOPE team since April 2020 to provide comfort and hope for the thousands of older and housebound people across the UK.
“I confess I didn’t expect DailyHOPE to continue after the pandemic restrictions ended, but God has been so kind in His continued provision – being able to provide daily hope to the many who are still struggling and isolated has been a joy. So many precious lives have been impacted, especially through the evangelistic series ‘Hymns We Love’ option, which has been the beating heart of the phone line since its beginning.
“As DailyHOPE ends, I want to pay tribute to, and assure all the older people who have called the telephone line of our continued prayers and want them to know what a privilege it has been to support them over such a significant period of time.”
If you have been touched by the DailyHOPE telephone line please write to DailyHOPE, Faith in Later Life, 175 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2AL.
