Age UK Isle of Wight is appealing for volunteers to help combat local loneliness this Christmas time.
In the UK, 1 million older people say they feel lonelier than ever at Christmas time. Loneliness is a growing problem for older people on the Island with 1 in 6 older Islanders (aged 65+) living alone.
Feeling lonely doesn’t necessarily mean you have no one nearby. You may be surrounded by friends and family but still feel lonely. Loneliness is unique to every individual and can have different causes and consequences for each of us.
The effect of loneliness and isolation can be as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is associated with depression, sleep problems, hypertension, impaired cognitive health, heightened vascular resistance, psychological stress and mental health problems.
Age UK Isle of Wight’s annual appeal is supported by Megan Baker Estate Agents, with the aim of raising awareness about the charity’s befriending service as well as appealing for the support of local volunteers to help to relieve local loneliness.
The charity offers vital companionship for older residents who are isolated, however, they are struggling to meet the current demand and are in desperate need of additional volunteer support.
Befriending can be done in person or from the comfort of your own home over the telephone and can be as little as a half an hour a week commitment.
For those who aren’t able to donate their time, monetary donations are also welcomed to help to secure the future of their vital social isolation services. 100% of all donations stay on the Island helping Age UK Isle of Wight to support our older residents, not only at Christmas, but all year round.
For more information call 01983 525282 or visit www.ageukiw.org.uk.
Christmas can be a horrible time of the year for some people. With all the festivities and families coming together, people who have no relatives at all must feel very lonely and left out. Such a shame. Respect to all the kind hearted volunteers who give up some of their time to visit and talk these people. God bless you all.