YORKSHIRE Building Society colleagues in Solihull are supporting Age UK to help them to make this Christmas a little brighter for lonely older people.
Half a million older people in the UK are not looking forward to Christmas this year because they will be alone or don’t have anyone to spend it with.
The ‘Helping a brighter Christmas happen’ campaign is part of Yorkshire Building Society’s two-year charity partnership with Age UK.
People in Solihull can buy Christmas decorations, Christmas cards and Christmas pin badges in aid of Age UK at the Solihull branch on High Street, to support the campaign.
Kiran Prajapat, branch manager at Yorkshire Building Society’s in Solihull, said: “It’s heart-breaking that half a million older people are not looking forward to Christmas this year due to loneliness.
“Through our ‘Helping a brighter Christmas happen’ campaign and our partnership with Age UK we are supporting them to improve the financial and emotional wellbeing of older people and helping them to have a brighter Christmas.”
Colleagues at the Solihull branch are also providing four simple and practical tips that people can do to help older people feel included and supported over the festive season, such as:
- Sharing time together: Check in regularly with older relatives, friends and neighbours to see how they’re feeling, and find out if there’s anything they need. Invite them round for a coffee or lunch or if you’re unable to visit in person there’s still plenty you can do to show you care – a phone or video call, making homemade cards, letters or even small gifts.
- Lending 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 – ensuring you’re following all the relevant COVID guidance and advice that might be in place.
- Share these useful numbers: for practical information and advice, Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65. For a cheerful chat, day or night, The Silver Line Helpline: 0800 4 70 80 90.
- Fundraising for Age UK: Get involved and raise much-needed money and support for older people. Speak to a Society colleague the next time you’re in your local branch to find out more on how you can get involved.
For more information on the partnership between Yorkshire Building Society and Age UK please visit www.ybs.co.uk/your-society/age-uk-partnership.
