Loneliness at Christmas
Published on 04 December 2023 08:00 AM
Thousands of older people will spend Christmas alone
Losing loved ones, spending countless hours with no one to talk to – these are the things that isolate us from the world. Once a cherished time of year, the Christmas period can become a painful reminder of how alone you are.
The chances are, there is a lonely or isolated older person in your community. These isolated older people are experiencing difficult circumstances that are all too real. But no one should have to feel alone.
Age UK Worcester & Malvern Hills' vital befriending service, bereavement support and social activities, are there when older people need us most – offering friendship, guidance and support.
“There was always the two of us. Now I’m on my own."
For Terry, whose wife of 56 years Glenda died last year, being alone has been a huge struggle. Last year, he simply couldn’t face Christmas. “I'll suddenly look around and realise she isn't there,” says Terry.
Thankfully, the Befriending Service matched Terry with his befriender Jade, and the pair now enjoy weekly chats.
“Christmas is just another weekend now Jess isn’t here.”
Like Terry, Ted also recently lost his wife – Jess, who was his childhood sweetheart.
Although Ted called the Advice Line for help managing his money, we soon realised how lonely Ted was and connected him with a trained telephone befriender too. Ted says it’s wonderful to know Age UK are always there to rely on.
“It's not nice being lonely.”
Gwen also lives alone and regularly goes days without seeing anyone. But the Befriending Service matched her with Holly, who calls her every week.
“There's no doubt if you're on your own and receive that call it makes a big difference,” says Gwen. “If you can help one lonely person, then you've achieved something.”
Our impact combatting loneliness in 2023
Be the difference this Christmas
You could be the gift this Christmas. For a lonely older person, giving just a couple of hours of your time a week, could change a life.
We are asking for members of the public to volunteer as part of our befriending and bereavement teams. A service which provides a regular telephone call and / or a face to face visit at the clients home. Providing friendship and companionship, as well as a crucial link to the outside world, for hundreds of local older people all year round.
Why volunteer with Age UK Worcester & Malvern Hills?
On top of changing a local older persons life:
- Learn new skills and develop existing ones
- Develop your confidence and gain experience of the workplace
- We reimburse you for reasonable travel costs incurred as a result of carrying out your role
- We provide ongoing support and training where relevant
- You will become part of our wider volunteer network, where you will be invited to group events and meet others alike
Apply to volunteer today
Could you visit or call a lonely older person this Christmas? Help us fight social isolation and loneliness in Worcester & Malvern Hills, by applying to volunteer today.
Contact us
We are here to help you. Visit our contact us page to find all the ways you can get in touch with Age UK Worcester, Malvern Hills & Hereford Localities.