Community Christmas’ Ensures Elderly Aren’t Lonely On Christmas Day, By Uniting Them With Neighbours
This campaign offers a fab antidote to rural isolation at one of its most challenging times. The article tells us: Almost a million elderly people – 60 years and above – in the UK feel lonelier at Christmas compared to the rest of the year, but a charity is aiming to change that by reuniting communities.
Community Christmas encourages local residents to run events on 25 December, because “no elderly person should be alone on Christmas Day unless they want to be”.
Events can be anything from a three-course meal in a community hall to a church offering coffee and mince pies after their morning service.
“It’s up to the organiser to determine what they want to organise and what they can organise,” explains founder Caroline Billington.
“As far as I’m concerned, if it helps one person, then it’s worth it.”
As well as raising awareness of loneliness, Community Christmas provides information packs to those considering starting a new Christmas event.
The packs contain everything an organiser will need, from information on finding the right venue, catering to your guests’ needs and organising insurance.
Last year there were 320 events listed on the charity’s website, reaching an estimated 7,500 older people.