Make a difference – volunteer to be a friend

Sir, The latest Office for National Statistics survey on loneliness shows it doesn’t affect older people – it hits anyone regardless of their age in life.

We have so many new ways to communicate with people these days thanks to social media and technology, but often the traditional method of having a faceto-face conversation can dramatically help brighten someone’s day.

But how do people with sight loss feel? Apart from loneliness, they can feel isolated too, keen to become active and connected members of their community.

That’s why a befriending service is a lifeline for many people with a sight impairment as it offers companionship and support.

Volunteer befrienders are making a huge difference to the life of the person with sight loss and can also meet new friends and learn new skills, such as sight awareness, emergency first aid and guiding techniques training.

Feeling lonely also damages mental health. It’s as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and more dangerous than obesity.

Let’s help halt and reduce this epidemic and make the time to stop and listen to someone suffering from loneliness. Not only will you be doing a good deed, but you may also discover something new from someone else’s wisdom whilst giving them a reason to love life. Carl Hodson, chief executive, Society for the Blind, Kirkcaldy.