THE Age UK shop in Cirencester is calling on the local community to help them tackle loneliness with elderly people this Christmas.

As the festive season fast approaches, Age UK is appealing to people in the town to support the huge numbers of older people who are facing Christmas alone through its new campaign, ‘No one should have no one at Christmas’.

More than one million older people say they haven’t spoken to a friend, neighbour or family member for over a month according to new research from the charity.

As a result, Christmas cheer often falls short, with 60 per cent of people aged over 65 not expecting festive happiness to be part of their Christmas this year.

Loneliness not only makes life miserable but also has an impact on mental and physical health with statistics showing it’s as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

That’s why the Age UK shop in Cirencester is asking the people of Cirencester to sign the Charity’s national petition calling on the Government to recognise loneliness as a serious health problem and to take action to help tackle it.

Age UK aims to reach a national target of 100,000 signatures that will trigger a debate in parliament.

The cold winter months can be a particularly lonely and challenging time for older people who can struggle to get out and often face increased illness.

The Charity is urging the public to make an extra effort to reach out to older people; family, friends, and those living nearby, to help them keep warm, well and combat the feelings of loneliness and isolation so many experience.

Vanessa Woodvine, Shop Manager at the Age UK shop in Castle Street said; “The festive season is usually a time for celebration with loved ones, so it’s heart-breaking that so many older people will be lonely.

"That’s why we are asking everyone in Cirencester to sign our petition and donate your unwanted items at the Age UK shop in Castle Street to help Age UK do more to ensure older people enjoy the festive season and the year to come.”

As well as signatures, the shop is asking the public to donate their unwanted items to help the Charity raise much-needed funds to provide companionship, advice and support for older people across the country.  Alternatively, people can also donate £3 by texting ‘CHRISTMAS’ to 70111 to help answer a call to the Age UK Advice Line.

Age UK has over 430+ shops across the UK, which are reliant on the kind donations3 of the local community to keep the shelves stocked and supported by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers.

They generate much-needed funds for the Charity’s work with older people, whilst encouraging everyone to recycle unwanted goods including clothing and accessories, gifts, toys, household items and shoes.

To find out more visit ageuk.org.uk/christmas