No one should have no one at Christmas

75,000 older people across Wales say they are often or always lonely. Loneliness can be as harmful to our health as smoking cigarettes a day and heighten feelings of depression and anxiety.

Most worryingly, there is a proven link between loneliness, depression and suicide.

Quite clearly loneliness is a serious problem and is one that tends to comes into focus at this time of year.

This Christmas, Age Cymru has helped to tackle loneliness by giving away 40 Winter Celebration Grants to older people's groups across Wales.

Almost 200 groups applied for one of these grants to organise a seasonal treat to enjoy in the company of friends such as a Christmas dinner, a shopping trip or a visit to the theatre.

While we were not able to give everyone who applied a grant, Age Cymru did give a small Winter Celebration Grant to older people's groups from almost every local authority area in Wales.

And we can all do our bit to help older people who are lonely.

Simple acts of kindness - such as a regular visit from a friendly face or a weekly telephone call, really do make the world of difference.

You can also help Age Cymru to provide advice and support for older people by getting involved with our ‘No one should have no one at Christmas' campaign.