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"For older people like me, this Christmas could be the loneliest of our lives"

By supporting Age UK, you can help give vulnerable and lonely older people the comfort and joy they urgently need this Christmas.

At the close of what has been, for many, a terrifying and isolating year, older people are facing a Christmas like no other in living memory.

Living with the fear of coronavirus, and necessary but painful social distancing from friends and family, has placed enormous strain on even the most resilient of the older population. For those living on their own, the stress and anxiety has become almost unbearable.

 

Heart icon Did you know £5 could pay to answer a call to our advice line?

Through our expert services, your donation could help Age UK give vulnerable older people the information and reassurance during the pandemic and beyond.

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Together, we can help older people like Roy get through this challenging Christmas

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 worries his already limited social contact will be curbed even further.

Thankfully, Roy got up the courage to call Age UK. We arranged for him to receive weekly phone calls from a lonely befriender, Jeanette, as part of our Telephone Friendship Service. For Roy, it’s 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. Your support can make it possible.

Phone icon 225,000 older people often go a whole week without speaking to anyone

More than 850,000 older people could be spending this Christmas alone

We’re here for you too

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. 

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