Care homes across the UK have joined the Adopt a Grandparent initiative, after the charity put out a call for “grandparents” seeking “adoption”.

Adopt a Grandparent, which aims to alleviate loneliness through intergenerational relationships, launched a drive to attract more older people to the scheme when it found it had more volunteers on its books than “grandparents”.

Around 60 care homes have now joined the scheme, which has attracted a wide range of volunteers from Hollywood actor Ruby Rose to doctors, finance directors, electricians, nurses and lawyers.

The charity has developed a community platform to ensure that volunteers and older people are matched in accordance with their hobbies and interests, as well as providing a safe space for virtual calls.

Shaleeza Hasham, founder of Adopt a Grandparent, said: “The fact that we can now pair more volunteers with older individuals is a clear sign that our mission to combat loneliness is resonating with communities and that together, we can create a more connected future for everyone.”

She said there was still plenty of room for more care providers to come onboard. “So if you work in care and you think you have residents who’d benefit from bonds of friendship, please sign up!”