People in Harrogate and Yorkshire Dales encouraged to think of those who could be alone at Christmas

Age UK’s 'No One Should Have No One' campaign calls for vital donations so it can be there for those who have no one to turn to.

New findings show the public has stepped up to support older people through the pandemic, and we need to keep the support going through the winter.

Almost 176,000 older people in Yorkshire and Humber are expecting to feel lonely this Christmasi according to Age UK’s new research for its No one should have no one campaign, which is asking for urgent donations so it can be there for every older person who will be facing a deeply challenging time alone.

Helen Hunter, Chief Executive at Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, said: "Winter is always a tough time for older people with dark nights and long days so it makes it harder for older people to get out and see people, but combine that with a pandemic and it's going to make loneliness ten times worse.

"If you've got friends and family you can reach out to them or you can reach out to charities like us. Older people feel like a burden and that's obviously not the case, but that might mean they're more reluctant to ask for help or to give someone a call if they're feeling lonely.

"When we're all busy it is easy to forget sometimes and if we can all notice the older people who live around us and just have a smile on our face and give them a hello it will make a huge difference."

The second national lockdown in England is also causing uncertainty for older people, and two thirds of people aged 65 and over in Yorkshire and Humber - almost 682,000 people - are concerned that COVID-19 restrictions might mean that they cannot see family or friends this Christmasii, potentially making this festive period the loneliest and scariest ever experienced for many older people.

Winter is always a tough time for older people - dark nights, short days and cold, often wet weather make it harder to get outside. These challenges combined with pandemic restrictions mean that chance encounters - like catching up with neighbours on the street or friendly chats at the supermarket - are less likely right now, yet they can make a big difference to those who are almost always on their own, or feeling lonely.

Research carried out by Age UK has previously found that following months of staying inside, some older people have lost confidence in doing day-to-day activities they previously took in their stride, and are no longer taking pleasure from things they used to enjoyiii. With the worst of winter still very much to come and COVID-19 continuing to represent a threat to older people, the Charity is worried that many will find the next few weeks and months particularly tough to navigate, especially if they are on their own.

The good news from these new findings is that people have stepped up to support our older population during the pandemic, which has made a huge and much appreciated difference – more than half of older people in Yorkshire and Humber say they wouldn’t have got through the pandemic without their friendsiv, highlighting the power of friendships and human connection, which older people need now more than ever before.

However, while almost 527,000 older people in Yorkshire and Humber have had someone call them for a chat because of their situation during the pandemicv, sadly this isn’t the case for everyone. Recent ONS figures show that, across Great Britain, 2.2 million over 60s say that haven’t had anyone to talk to about their worriesvi and sadly 2.2 million said they felt like they are a burden on othersvii.

For older people like these, Age UK will be their lifeline this Christmas. The Charity is calling for donations to help fund its friendship and advice services, demand for which has soared since the coronavirus outbreak began in March.

There are lots of simple things everyone can do to help:

Keep in touch: Try to check in regularly with your older relatives, friends and neighbours to ask how they’re feeling, and find out if there’s anything they need. If you’re unable to visit in person there’s still plenty you can do to show you care – a phone or video call, try making homemade Christmas cards, letters or even small gifts.

Lend a hand: if you’re able to, be a good neighbour by offering simple, immediate assistance to older people nearby, such as offering to pick up shopping or run errands. When you drop off any shopping knock on the door and step 2 metres back first, leave any bags on the doorstep and make sure your neighbour safely receives them. Visit www.ageuk.org.uk/neighbourly to find out about neighbourly volunteering.

Share these numbers: for practical information and advice, Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65. For a cheerful chat, day or night, The Silver Line: 0800 470 80 90.

Fundraise for Age UK: With many of us staying at home now's the chance to get involved, raise much-needed money and support vulnerable older people through the pandemic and beyond. From a physical activity challenge to virtual supper club, fundraising ideas and resources are available at www.ageuk.org.uk/fundraise.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: "This seems set to be a festive period like we have never experienced before, and not one any of us would want to navigate on our own. At the best of times, Christmas can be bitter-sweet for many older people, but this year they are going to need our support even more than usual.

"At Age UK we were thrilled to hear older people paying tribute to all the friends, neighbours - and strangers - who had reached out to offer them help during the first wave, but the fact is we know that some older people missed out, and are likely to do so again. We want to be there with anyone who finds themselves in that position this winter, but we can only do it with the public's support, so please do donate to our campaign this year if you can."

This winter will be like no other, yet far too many older people are facing this challenging and uncertain time alone. For many older people, Age UK will be their lifeline this Christmas. Age UK is raising urgently needed funds so it can continue to be there for anyone who needs help: now more than ever, no one should have no one. Find out more or donate at www.ageuk.org.uk/christmas-appeal

Anyone who needs support, is worried about an older relative or friend or wants to find out more about Age UK’s Telephone Friendship Service can get in touch by calling Age UK Advice free of charge on 0800 169 6565 (8am-7pm) or visit www.ageuk.org.uk. Any older person looking for a cheerful chat can call The Silver Line’s free helpline, day or night, on 0800 470 80 90.