A new scheme to help reduce calls to London Ambulance Service is being piloted in Merton.

Royal Voluntary Service is asking neighbours to help elderly people for a few hours every week in the hope that taking them out for walks or doing other gentle exercises will reduce calls made to the ambulance service after a fall.

Befriending neighbours will also help alleviate their loneliness, the charity says.

As part of the ‘Supporting you at Home’ service, the volunteer will also give advice on nutrition and hydration and motivate people to get out of their home by joining local clubs or activities.

Volunteers are asked to commit for six months and should be available to start in September. Two full days of training will be provided to all volunteers.

Dr Allison Smith, Head of Strategy and Development for Royal Voluntary Service said: “It is estimated that one in three people over the age of 65, and one in two over 80, will fall every year. We believe that targeted support provided by highly trained volunteers can make a significant difference in the physical and emotional wellbeing of older adults, reducing the chance of them falling and easing pressure on the London Ambulance Service.

"By working together with local people, volunteers and the London Ambulance Service we hope to find a way to help older people in London live happier and healthier lives at home.”

Briony Sloper, Deputy Director of Nursing & Quality, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: “The ageing population means that falls are one of the most common reasons for calls to the ambulance service and these patients represent a disproportionate number of acute admissions to hospital.

"We hope this volunteer and community-led pilot with Royal Voluntary Service, will not only reduce demand on both the ambulance service and A&E admissions but also improve outcomes for the older people of Merton."

The scheme is also being rolled out in Hackney.

To find out more information about how to become a volunteer, please contact Helen Ko, Active Ageing Project Coordinator at 07766 998712 or email helen.ko@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.