Tackling loneliness this Christmas
It's thought thousands of people across the West Midlands face spending Christmas Day by themselves.
The charity, Age UK, is warning of a loneliness crisis here, especially among older people.
According to their figures:
- 3.6 million older people in the UK live alone, of whom over 2 million are aged 75+
- 1.9 million older people often feel ignored or invisible
- Loneliness can be as harmful for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day
Figures elsewhere show it's especially harmful in more rural communities, affecting 35,000 people in Worcestershire alone.
It's also part of a major storyline in Coronation Street this Christmas, as Rita Sullivan faces spending the festive period by herself.
The soap teamed up with Age UK, to feature videos like this during the ad breaks:
Charities across the West Midlands are trying to help this Christmas, with many like Re-Engage hosting group sessions for people struggling.
You can find your nearest one here.
Other charities like Leslie's Care Packages in Stourbridge, are also hosting events to combat loneliness.
Vi Wood, the founder, said:
"I just wanted to help.
"My children have all grown up and left home, my husband is no longer with us, and I know what loneliness and isolation can be like.
"I'm hoping to make it a community-spirit event, which we all know, but has slowly drifted out because everybody is on their phones or on social media.
"During the year we're all lonely or isolated, we can all be, but I think Christmas is one of the worst times. It's that feeling you had as a child that we're trying to get back."
The event run by Leslie's Care Packages is being held at St Thomas' Church Hall, Stourbridge, from 12pm til 5pm.