There’s no doubt that the rising cost of living acutely affects older people, many of whom live on limited means and often have to choose between heating and eating. We recently signed a joint letter calling for an end to the unfair postcode lottery of water social tariffs, to support people on low incomes. The removal of the winter fuel allowance for those not receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits will also undoubtedly have a significant impact on people aged 75 and older in the coming months. Once the bills have been paid and essentials like food bought, many older people have little money left for socialising – and that’s where our tea party and activity groups really come into their own. Our volunteer-led services offer guests a chance to get together, be active, enjoy conversation and find companionship, without it costing those who attend a single penny.

We launched our search for Christmas call companions just a few days ago, and already we’ve had lots of people apply to make one call a week during December, to help lift an older person from loneliness. If you'll have just 30 minutes a week to spare during the festive period, please join our growing Christmas call companion volunteer community.

If you help organise or know about any festive events suitable for older people, please submit the details to our free online community Christmas directory and we'll help spread the word. Simply complete this short form, and we’ll do the rest!

Best wishes,

Jenny Willott

CEO

Christmas call companions is back!

We’d love you to become part of our growing community supporting older people this Christmas. Do you have time to make just one phone call a week to help lonely or isolated people at a time of year that can be particularly challenging? Help us spread joy to lonely older people this December.

Community Christmas directory 2024

Help us create a community Christmas by adding your event to our free online directory. If your festive event's suitable for people 75 and older, register it for free and we'll help to spread the word and give older people something to look forward to this year.

Quizmaster brings extra skills to activity group 

Discover how Newport Dragons activity group attendee John tests the grey cells of fellow guests with his passion for puzzles.

Where there’s a will

Leaving us a gift in a will is the kindest of gestures that helps support even more older people. If you’d like to remember Re-engage in your will to offer the gift of friendship to others and help our work continue, check out our free guide to get started.

Thank you

Whether you’re a volunteer, fundraiser, donor, or you spread the word about our work, you’re helping us reduce loneliness in later life for older people across the UK. Thank you very much for your support.