Fight Winter Loneliness

Almost a million older people will face a crisis of loneliness this winter. Most won’t see it.

But Age UK Surrey does. And we won’t let older people spend a winter alone.

Right now, all across the county, we’re changing how we age by providing expert support and friendship to older people – from our telephone befriending calls, to home visits, and social activities across Surrey and at the Clockhouse Community Centre in Milford.

BBC Surrey interviewed Jill Rowley, a widow who started visiting The Clockhouse after craving company. She said that feeling lonely left her "absolutely exhausted".

Jill Rowley started coming to Age UK Surrey's Clockhouse in Milford after losing her husband three years ago. The 76-year-old has found a haven, a place where she knows that "people will listen to what you have to say".

"When you're on your own - really on your own - you've got no one to talk to, no one to feel important to, you just feel as if you're absolutely exhausted," she said. Mrs Rowley praised the "absolutely marvellous" volunteers at the Clockhouse and said she had "never been so happy" since starting to visit. She said: "It's so nice to come here and know that you are welcome to come anytime, and if you've got a problem, and you want to talk to someone...then they will listen and give you the advice that you need."

Age UK Surrey is working hard to combat loneliness through a range of local services and activities across Surrey.

But as the nights draw in, the weather turns, and lonely days become longer and colder, we need your help also to be there so that no one struggles on without the help they deserve.

Your donation could bring comfort, connection, and care to an older person facing loneliness this winter.