Skip to content
A collage of an older lady and two older men

When Christmas becomes the hardest day of the year

Your support can help us be there for people like Gwen, Ted and Terry.

Donate now

The challenge 

Too many older people will spend Christmas alone this year.

The loss of loved ones, changing life circumstances, and spending countless hours without anyone to talk to can leave individuals feeling isolated and alone. And at Christmas time, loneliness can turn what should be a happy day into one of the hardest.

Almost a million

older people across the UK often feel lonely

Over 4 million

older people live alone

1 million

older people had no one to spend Christmas with last year

But with your help, Age UK can be there to support older people who need us at Christmas – and all year round.

Donate now

The solution

This Christmas, Age UK can provide essential services that change people's lives – like we have for Gwen, Ted and Terry.

“Our chats always cheer me up.”

The changing pace of Gwen's life had left her feeling lonely, but chats with her telephone befriender Holly have made all the difference.

 

Read Gwen's story

“It's one of the best things I've ever done.”

Being referred to the Age UK Telephone Friendship Service has helped Ted to feel more like himself again after losing his beloved wife.

 

Read Ted's story

“I’m so grateful for Age UK’s help.”

Support from Age UK's telephone services has helped Terry to reconnect with life again in the wake of heartbreaking loss.

 

Read Terry's story

The ways we help

Age UK provides expert advice, practical support, crucial friendship, and campaigns to ensure older people's voices are heard on key issues. Only with the help of our supporters can we continue to be there for everyone who needs us – on Christmas Day and every day.

Thanks to our supporters, in 2022:

205,934 calls

were answered by the Age UK Advice Line, offering guidance and support

Over 8.2 million

visits were made to our Information and Advice pages

239,656 calls

were supported by the Age UK Telephone Friendship Service

No older person should feel alone this Christmas.

Your support could help us continue to be there on the hardest day and every day.

Donate now

Age UK provides a range of services and your gift will go wherever the need is greatest. 

Become part of our story

Sign up today

Back to top