A NATIONAL charity is encouraging people in Cornwall to ‘Be a Friend’, by organising local activities, so no older person will be alone on Christmas Day unless they want to be.
Friends of the Elderly is the official partner of Community Christmas, and says an estimated 35% of older people are affected by loneliness in Cornwall.
There are lots of activities happening across the UK that are already listed on the Community Christmas website, but the charity says there are currently no listings that it knows about for Cornwall — but there is still time to get involved.
A Christmas Day activity can be whatever you think people in your community might enjoy — such as a Christmas lunch at a local community centre, a Christmas film screening in a village hall, or a Christmas walk around a local park.
Friends of the Elderly asks that anyone already organising an activity on Christmas Day, or knows of something already happening in their area, should contact Community Christmas so it can be listed on their website.
The charity said Community Christmas receives hundreds of calls each year from, and on behalf of, older people who are facing Christmas Day alone.
Steve Allen, chief executive at Friends of the Elderly, said: “We know that loneliness has a devastating impact on older people’s lives and that Christmas Day — traditionally a time for family — can be an especially difficult time for those with no family and friends around.
“With the kindness and dedication of activity organisers, more and more older people will have somewhere they can go on Christmas Day to enjoy the company of others. Together we can make this Christmas one to remember for thousands of older people across the country.”
Caroline Billington, founder of Community Christmas, added: “It is so fantastic when we get a call from an older person and are able to find a place where they will be welcomed on Christmas Day — whether it is a care home opening their doors, tea and cake in a community hall, or a trip to the local pub. Not only does this mean these older people have somewhere to go on Christmas Day but quite often we hear of them forming friendships to last them the whole year through, which is what is it all about.”
For more information visit www.fote.org.uk/Christmas