AGE UK Warwickshire is highlighting the plight of older people facing Christmas alone.
The charity recently launched its ‘No One Should Have No One’ campaign to encourage people to support services helping combat isolation and loneliness.
It is estimated there are over 5,000 older people in Warwickshire who constantly feel lonely, with a further 24,000 who say they feel lonely some of the time.
Health and mobility problems, bereavement, and family living far away, are just some of the reasons why older people become isolated.
Age UK Warwickshire has been running a befriending service that involves matching lonely people with volunteers with similar interests, who regularly visit them.
Befriending coordinator Nikki Gill said: “We desperately need public support in the form of donations to continue and expand our befriending service. Ultimately, we’d like to get to the point where every older person has someone to talk to and to turn to, not just at Christmas, but anytime of the year.
“Any funds raised will go towards helping us reach more older people who are lonely, and matching them with like-minded local volunteer befrienders. If you know of anyone who may benefit from having a visit from a befriender, please get in touch.”
Visit www.ageuk.org.uk/warwickshire for more information.
