Almost 2 million people aged over 65 have told Age UK that they expect to feel lonely this Christmas.
Julie Marson is pleased to share actions that Hertford and Stortford reisdents can take to combat loneliness this Christmas.
Residents can take simple steps to support older people in the area this winter.
Six ways to help reduce loneliness:
- Become a telephone befriender: volunteer to call a lonely older person for a friendly chat once a week. You can sign up here.
- Support a local Age UK: Use their website to find our local Age UK and see what help they need supporting older people in your area.
- Stay connected: check in regularly with older relatives, friends and neighbours to ask how they’re feeling. You can do this in person, over the phone or by post. If you’re able to, you could help them get online or show them how to make a video call.
- Lend a hand: be a good neighbour by offering help to older people nearby, such as picking up shopping or running errands. More ideas here: www.ageuk.org.uk/neighbourly.
- Share these numbers: for practical information and advice, Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65. For a cheerful chat, day or night, The Silver Line: 0800 470 80 90.
- Fundraise for Age UK: get involved, raise much-needed money and support vulnerable older people through the pandemic and beyond. Fundraising ideas and resources are available at www.ageuk.org.uk/fundraise.
