Campaign to encourage supporting older people who may be alone this Christmas

Ottoline Spearman

People are being encouraged to reach out to the most vulnerable this Christmas, who may face spending the festive period completely alone.

Friends of the Elderly has launched a campaign which calls on the public to support older people through small acts of kindness.

Recent census figures revealed the highest increase in population was in the over 70s with a 26 per cent increase.

Speaking on Newstalk, Deborah Costello from Friends of the Elderly said that small acts of kindness can make a difference: "They may not have heard another human voice. They could be just feeling increased loneliness.

"Just to receive a call to wish them Happy Christmas. Check in.

"How are you doing? Do you need any grocery shopping done? Is there anything that I can do, or just have a chat?"

She said that it is important "just to listen and to be a friendly voice at the other end of the phone".