HC-One, the UK’s third largest care home provider with the Defoe Court Care Home in Newton Aycliffe as well as six other care homes in County Durham has announced a £100,000 donation to The Silver Line in the week that the charity received its one millionth call. The HC-One Foundation is a Founding Partner of The Silver Line and previously donated £150,000 to the older people’s helpline as part of this programme. The Silver Line (0800 4 70 80 90) is the only free, national, confidential helpline open every day and night, offering information, friendship and advice to older people. Just days after receiving its one millionth call The Silver Line launched an urgent appeal to raise £1.65 million to keep its vital night time service going. HC-One’s new donation of £100,000 will go towards the national appeal Over two-thirds of calls to the helpline are at night and weekends, and The Silver Line’s research shows that over half of all callers say they have no one else to speak to. HC-One’s £100,000 donation will cover the cost of 20,000 calls to the helpline. As the only member of the Founding Partner programme from the care sector, HC-One is leading the way in supporting The Silver Line’s Million Calls appeal. HC-One’s Chairman, Dr Chai Patel, has a long history of philanthropy and he has imbued this charitable spirit into HC-One’s philosophy and its support of The Silver Line. HC-One is dedicated to providing the kindest care for every Resident and developing each home’s relationship with their local community, including the Defoe Court Care Home in Newton Aycliffe and six other care homes in County Durham. It is proud to support The Silver Line as the charity is specifically for older people, providing them with support and a friendly voice to talk to. Dame Esther Rantzen, Founder of The Silver Line, said: “I knew there was a need for the helpline but to answer one million calls in such a short space of time is desperately sad. “Our callers tell us that nights can be the worst times of all when they really need someone to talk to and confide in. “We’re really grateful for this amazing donation from HCOne which will go towards helping us to keep the vital night-time service going. “We urgently need more donations from wonderful friends and supporters, like HC-One – who are doing so much to ensure we are always there for the people who need us most.” Dr Chai Patel, Chairman of HC-One, said: “We know that too many older people are affected by loneliness, and The Silver Line shows there is an effective solution to tackle isolation. “HC-One is very proud to support The Silver Line’s national appeal with a donation that will pay for 20,000 calls. That’s 20,000 times people will be able to access the companionship and support they need. “HC-One are delighted to be part of such an important project, and playing an active role in our local community.