Age UK B&NES is launching its ‘No one should have no one at Christmas’ campaign on Thursday 19th November in Bath, and is encouraging local residents to ensure that older people aren’t alone during the festive period.
Staff and volunteers from the local charity will be out and about in the city aiming to raise awareness and funds, as the Christmas lights are switched-on.
“Christmas is a time of year where many of us get together with family and friends, but it’s a sad fact that many older people have no one to share their day with,” said Janet Dabbs, the charity’s chief executive.
“And it’s not just at Christmas that people are lonely – for 70,000 older people in the South West loneliness is a daily reality.
“Across the UK, 1 million older people go a month or more without seeing or speaking to a friend, family member or neighbour.
“Our work across Bath and North East Somerset is a lifeline to many older people throughout the year. We work hard to help ensure no one in later life feels alone or isolated.
“Whether it’s through our home from hospital service, our befriending activities, our community hubs, activity groups or day centres, Age UK B&NES provides crucial companionship, advice and support to around 12,000 people every year.
“But we rely on the generosity of the local community to help us keep these services running. The No one should have no one at Christmas campaign is being supported by John Lewis, and I’m sure many people will have seen their new advertisement.
“Whilst this is giving us a lot of profile nationally, I want to remind people that we are a local, independent charity serving local people – and every penny we raise here will be spent in Bath and North East Somerset.”
The charity is hoping to raise over £3,000, which could fund 16 new volunteer befrienders for a year.
It has written to local supporters asking them to back the appeal.
Local businesses are being encouraged to donate and also to take one of the charity’s collection tins to encourage their customers to donate.
The Rotary Club of Bath West has made Age UK B&NES its charity of the year, and staff and volunteers will be joining them on the streets of Bath to fundraise during December as their Charity of the Year.
If you would like to donate please call 01225 466135 or visit www.ageukbanes.co.uk.
You can also text AGEB33 £3 to 70070 to donate £3.
