A season of silent struggles: Coventry and Warwickshire charity warns of spiralling Christmas loneliness.

To support the launch of Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire’s Christmas campaign, “Together, we’re not alone”, the Charity has released some heartbreaking new statistics that show just how tough this Christmas will be. Routine public services winding down, shops closing early or shutting completely, combined with harsher weather conditions and shorter days, make it harder to sustain social connections.

Age UK’s research has found that 650,000 older people in the West Midlands hope to receive a call from someone on Christmas Day and 320,000 older people say they feel comforted knowing there are helplines and services available if they need a chat or some support over Christmas.Michael Garrett, Chief Executive at Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire:

“Our charity provides support and gives advice, but sometimes just being offered a listening ear is all that’s needed to lift spirits and so our telephone befriending service is especially in demand over this period. Clients say that some days they don’t use their voice at all, but for that to happen on Christmas Day, when you know neighbouring houses are full of joy and sharing- it is particularly painful. Expecting and receiving a phone call makes them feel they are not forgotten. Ask yourself, could you change what you normally do this Christmas and spend more time with your older relatives, friends or neighbours – especially those who live alone? Could you send a card to show you’re thinking of them or could you donate to Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire’s campaign so we can spread comfort, friendship and joy to older people when they need it most?”

Age UK has also launched a new Loneliness Guide which features the charity’s latest information and advice on the subject as well as bringing together lived experiences from different focus groups. This can be found online: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/loneliness-guide/ or a free paper copy can be posted if you contact the charity on the phone number below.

To donate, please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/coventryandwarwickshire/get-involved/donate/Or call 02476 231999

Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire, 8 Clemens Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 2DL.Registered charity number 1090007. Company number 4221822.

Yonder conducted an online and telephone survey on behalf of Age UK. A sample of 193 adults in the West Midlands aged 65+ were surveyed between 2nd and 29th October 2024. Responses were weighted to be representative of the population of the UK. All statistics are drawn from this polling unless otherwise stated. Targets for quotas and weights are taken from the latest ONS Census data (2021/22) and the PAMCO survey, a random probability F2F survey conducted annually with 35,000 adults. Yonder is a founding member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. For further information see http://www.britishpollingcouncil.org/

i Age UK calculation based on data (weighted to be representative of the UK) from Yonder online and telephone polling for Age UK, November 2024 (weighted sample of 193 people aged 65+ in the West Midlands between 2nd and 29th October 2024) and ONS midyear 2023 population estimates (published 8th October 2024). All statistics are drawn from this polling unless otherwise stated.