Caring staff leave me close to tears

In her prize letter last week, Helen Regan said that lonely elderly people visit the supermarket in which she works in order to find some company – and her words really hit home. I visit my local store nearly every day, not just to shop, but to chat to some of the staff. I have family but they all work long hours to make a living.

When one of the staff asks ‘How are you today?’, I reply with a smile ‘Still above ground’, despite being close to tears that someone cares. R. Woskett, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire

Many older people will do anything to find friendship. That’s why they go to shops and libraries for hours. Your letterwriter is right: the young get more attention, while the old are abandoned. J. Thornton, Whitby, North Yorkshire

Social contact is vital, and I’d like to point out that there is a national scheme, Walking For Health, that provides free organised walks, led by trained leaders, at various levels. In Knebworth, for example, we have a mini walk and talk every second Tuesday of the month, which is suitable for people recovering from surgery or those who are new to exercise. This walk takes place on flat, level ground and we end with a coffee and a chat at a local cafe. For anyone interested, see walkingforhealth.org.uk for more details.

Amanda Preedy, Knebworth, Hertfordshire

Supermarkets are now leading the way in donating items to food banks, so I suggest that they designate an hour (or two) in a comfortable corner where lonely souls are welcome to have as much coffee/tea and a slice of cake as they like, and where a ‘social assistant’ can get them all talking to each other. Janet Cleaves, Takeley, Essex