Elderly isolation

Morna O’may’s letter ‘Ignoring the elderly’ (3 April) struck an immediate chord. Social isolation for our senior citizens is a growing concern and rightly so. The cancellation of services from Foodtrain and Meals on Wheels means many will lose a valuable lifeline, especially the housebound.

The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has recently launched the publication Pulling Together, documenting its pioneering work with elderly peer focus groups, piloted in the London area, with residents in supported accommodation. I was privileged to attend the report’s launch recently in the House of Lords and receive a copy of the colourful and impressive report.

The focus groups unearthed a huge wealth of information, memories, significant histories and a desire for self-help and companionship, among the residents. Tea and cake were voted vital ingredients for such groups. One group came up with the simple but effective idea of a welcoming letter for each new resident, with information about the unit and facilities in the area.

The Standing Together Toolkit, Peer Groups for People in Later Life is available from the MHF, mentalhealth. org.uk.

FIONA GARWOOD

Ormidale Terrace, Edinburgh