Watch TV and help beat loneliness

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to watch TV – and help beat loneliness in the process.

TV Licensing and Volunteering Matters are encouraging people to give up their time by joining a social group, mentor programme, or sparing an hour each week to form a friendship with an elderly person and help tackle loneliness and social isolation.

Richard Chapman, spokesman for TV Licensing in Wales, said: “Over-75s consume more TV each day than any other age group so the weekly TV schedule can provide a great opportunity for volunteers to share their favourite regular programme in the company of an older person, particularly as winter draws in and great TV seasons begin.

“Volunteering Matters can help by matching up people wanting to help another person.

“Anyone aged 75 can claim a free TV Licence for their main address and more than 210,000 people in Wales already enjoy the benefits of the concession.”

Michael Phillips, communications manager for Age Cymru, added: “Loneliness and isolation are a daily reality for around 75,000 older people in Wales so volunteering your time and befriending really can improve their quality of life and help strengthen our communities.

“As many older people rely on television using TV programmes as a way of finding common interests between generations is a great idea.”

The free licence is not granted automatically so anybody who becomes eligible needs to make sure they apply.

If you live with someone aged over 75, their free licence will cover all viewing in the property, meaning family and live-in carers could also benefit.

Anyone 75 or older can apply at www. tvlicensing.co.uk/ over75info or call 0300 790 6073.