Now more than ever, we need your support
By donating to Age UK today, you can help give older people the comfort and support many so urgently need this Christmas.
At the close of what’s been, for many, a terrifying and isolating year, more than 850,000 older people could be spending Christmas alone. Now more than ever, Age UK needs your support to be here for those who need us most.
Every year, millions of older people call on Age UK for practical and emotional support. The Age UK Advice Line gives answers and reassurance to older people, while our Telephone Friendship Service provides vital companionship to those experiencing loneliness.
This Christmas, that support has never been more needed. Now more than ever, we need your help to be there for those who need us most.
After his wife Maggie died, Roy found himself on his own, with no one to turn to. Maggie made Christmas special; now Roy spends it alone with only the TV for company.
With the coronavirus outbreak showing no signs of easing, Roy faces his loneliest Christmas – with the exception of the weekly calls he receives from his Age UK befriender Jeanette. For Roy, these calls have been life-changing.
“It’s difficult to be so lonely. When I’m on my own, I can feel really depressed sometimes. But on the phone, it’s a different me. Jeanette is so lovely to talk to. We talk about everything. It’s lovely to be able to just talk to someone, especially as I love to chat. I look forward to the calls very much.”
Age UK is determined to be there for Roy and the thousands of older people like him who urgently need someone to rely on this Christmas - but we can’t do this without donations from people like you.
The Age UK Telephone Friendship service gives older people the joy of a regular phone call from a friendly voice. At the height of the first lockdown, we saw a 300% increase in demand for this service and we’re braced for another increase this Christmas.
We provide answers and reassurance to older people when they need it most - 96% of callers say we make a difference. Over the festive period, we'll be here every day for those who have no one else, giving help such as financial advice for how to stay warm through winter.
If you or someone you know needs support, Age UK is here for you. Call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 169 6565, 8am to 7pm, every day of the year, or find information and advice on our website.
Age UK provides a range of services and your gift will go where the need is greatest. Age UK is a registered charity, registered charity no 1128267.