HOW TO GET INVOLVED
them about the festive events you’re attending, to encourage them to make plans too – so they have something to look forward to.
“If you know someone is struggling with any of the above around Christmas time, you should try to distract them with some festive activities, such as making Christmas wreaths or going to a Christmas market together.
“And although it might be a bit of a squeeze, invite them round on
Christmas Day if you know they haven’t been invited elsewhere.
“This might only seem like a small gesture, but it could make a world of difference to them.
“Make a new Christmas tradition with them. This will make them feel like they are part of something unique and special, reminding them that they are not alone.”
● Isolating themselves and spending a lot of time at home
●
● Not eating well
●
● Watching more TV than usual
● Having a fear of becoming a burden to their family, which causes them to avoid contact
WE want to hear from our readers who are very generously planning to share their turkey and pudding – and most importantly the gift of company – with the lonely this Christmas.
We will need a few details about your lunch or dinner, or maybe the invitation for a Boxing Day tea or a walk in the park with a widowed neighbour.
Churches and community groups who offer a Christmas lunch or get-together for their local elderly people are also welcome to send in their details.
In the first instance, please email in photographs and comments about any occasion you hosted last Christmas.
And then please email details of this year’s gathering. You can email expressnews@reachplc.com.
Please include the names and ages of those in the photograph, where you are and your telephone number.
For those pensioners who want to avoid being alone this Christmas, the Community Christmas initiative – launched by the older people’s charity Re-engage – will help match them with a local event.
On its website, Re-engage will: List any public Christmas event happening between December 18 and 31. Please note, the charity will not list private events in readers’ residential homes.
Aim to match anyone alone on Christmas day aged 75 and over with a community event. Encourage anyone of any age who will be alone on Christmas Day to use the website to find something they can go to.
Company and friendship is not just for Christmas, Re-engage offers the opportunity for people aged 75-plus to join in local social gatherings throughout the year. For more information, visit www.reengage.org.uk/ community-christmas