Join us for some festive friendship

IT is that time of the year again; the nights are closing in, the shops start playing their festive music and the more organised of us begin to start thinking about present shopping.

All things point to Christmas – a time for togetherness, festivity and fun; a time to spend with friends and family and a time to eat, drink and be merry.

Sadly, for many older people, the reality is a little different, with a large number of over-55s saying that loneliness and social isolation is one of their most prominent worries across the festive period.

That’s why my charity, The Abbeyfield Society, started Companionship at Christmas; our annual drive to both highlight and alleviate this issue by encouraging our houses and homes in Coventry to open their doors and offer free festive activities, hot meals and friendship.

So if you, or a friend or relative, might be alone this Christmas, we would be absolutely delighted to welcome you in across the advent period to spend time with residents, meet the staff and get involved in the events and activities taking place.

We’re always looking for volunteers to help spread the festive cheer, too.

Do check out our website to see what is going on near you, or call 01727 734144. David McCullough Chief executive, The Abbeyfield Society