Support for lonely in community

The British Red Cross is helping ensure there is a message of support sent to someone in their local community who may be alone this festive season.

The Red Cross shop in Unicorn Way, Glenrothes, has been offering a free Christmas card with every pack bought in store, and asking shoppers to show their kindness by writing a message to someone receiving support from the charity.

The Red Cross launched the initiative in participating shops across the country, after new research showed more than half of UK adults feel always, often or sometimes lonely.

Last year it supported more than 291,600 people in crisis across the UK, giving them someone they could turn to in their hour of need.

Christmas cards are being sent to a local Connecting Communities service, provided in partnership with the Co-op, which helps support adults in the community who are experiencing, or at risk of, loneliness.

Marie Hayes, director for independent living, said: “Loneliness and social isolation does not discriminate.

“Life circumstances can change in the blink of an eye, meaning it can happen to anyone, no matter your age or background.

“By sending a message of support to someone in your community who may be alone this festive season, you can help let them know you’re thinking of them.”