Charity appealing for volunteers to support older adults over Christmas period
A charity is appealing for volunteers to support older adults this Christmas after research suggested that one in three people over the age of 70 will spend most of the festive period alone.
A survey of more than 1,000 people in the age group indicated that around one in seven do not have friends or family nearby.
Catherine Johnstone, chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service – which conducted the study, said: “For many of us, Christmas is a time of happiness, but this research reveals some stark figures.
“Volunteer Responders will be making calls this holiday season to ensure that people across England have the opportunity to experience some lovely festive conversations, but we need as many people to call as possible.
“The impact of these calls is immeasurable all year round, and at this time of year especially, a warm and friendly conversation can be what makes someone’s Christmas a merry one.”
The public are being urged to sign up to provide Check In and Chat calls with the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders programme by visiting nhscarevolunteerresponders.org.
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