System and method for assisting conference calls

A conference call helper system 4 comprising a communication means arranged to support a first communication link 10 with a user device 2a and a communication means arranged to support a second communications link 11 with a conference call system (or conference bridge) 3. The first and second communication links 10, 11 are connected and the conference call helper system is arranged to maintain the second communication link 11 to the conference call system 3 when the first communications link is disconnected. Aspects of the invention include re-establishing the first communication link and connecting the re-established first communication link and the second communication link. It enables a user to access a conference call through the conference call helper or assistant system 4, and if the user subsequently loses network connectivity the system acts as a proxy for the user so that it appears to the system hosting the conference call that the user is still connected to the conference call.Further aspects include the system monitoring the status of the first call connection and determining whether termination is normal or abnormal (call termination occurring for reasons other than deliberately ending, e.g. loss of connectivity).