11:10am Sunday 27th December 2009
By Craig Burnett
Last year the charity Help the Aged said a third of Britain’s older people, including half of all women aged over 65, now live alone – while in 2006 its research found a shocking 500,000 older people would spend Christmas Day without any company at all.
Jane Platt, head of social welfare at community charity the Wimbledon Guild, agrees Christmas Day could be a miserable time for some older people.
She says: “Christmas can reinforce the isolation and loneliness, making it 100 times worse.”
She urged everyone to make even a tiny effort to spare some time for others over the feastive season.
“We would advise anyone to look in on older people they know and make sure they are OK. And if you’re cooking some turkey, just to say ‘can I bring you some over?’ – small gestures can mean a lot to people who are isolated.”
Some schemes, projects and organisations are looking to transform the holiday for those left on their own – and more and more people are pitching in to lend a hand.
Volunteer Mags Alexander, who helps run an annual community Christmas lunch at Mitcham Parish Church, said more people than ever were coming forward to help at the event.
This year about 50 older people and adults with mental health problems enjoyed the centre’s festive feast, which is backed by local churches and charities.
Speaking before the event, Ms Alexander said: “We have got more than 30 volunteers this year. They are selfless people who want to come and help – and that is really fantastic.”
One popular project in Battersea Park is in its fifth decade and going from strength.
The Christmas Day party, which is organised by the Rotary Club of Battersea Park, offers food, drink and entertainment for older people – with more than 500 joining in this year. The event even included free transport to and from the venue.
The event began almost 50 years ago, with just 40 guests enjoying a festive lunch – but its success now calls for a huge marquee and hundred of volunteers.
Organiser and Rotary Club member Re Johnson backed Ms Alexander’s view that more people than ever were prepared to give up their time and help others on Christmas Day.
This year the team prepared and served food, cleaned and tidied up, and led activities from dancing to bingo.
Local firms also offered much-needed donations, including catering services and the marquee. Help came from far and wide - a professional magician even travelling from Nuneaton to serve up tableside conjuring tricks.
Mrs Johnson said the success of the event, and the number of volunteers it attracted, showed the spirit of Christmas was alive and well.
She said: “People really want to put back into the community.”
۰ Older people worried about being alone at Christmas or any other time of the year can call Age Concern on 0800 009966 for help and advice.
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.stainesguardian.co.uk