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

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