No one should have to face Christmas alone
As the festive season approaches, there is a lonely older person on every street in Scotland. Instead of shopping and putting up decorations in anticipation, they draw their curtains in dread. In fact, almost 140,000 over 65s say that Christmas Day is the hardest day of the year.
Age Scotland is there for them when no one else is. We provide friendship, advice and support to those facing the challenges of older age alone.
One of them is Alex from Motherwell. Without family or friends around, he turned to Age Scotland two years ago for someone to speak to. "For the past few years, I’ve been on my own at Christmas. I put on the TV just to stop the silence."
Another is Hazel. The 77-year-old from Dumbarton spends Christmas Day eating a meal for one and avoiding anything too Christmassy on TV as it reminds her of what she's lost. "Sometimes I sing along to the radio to cheer myself up, but I am always relieved when the day is over."
Last Christmas I got a friendship call on Christmas Day and it was brilliant. It was so lovely to have someone to talk to, someone who asked questions and was open to listening to me.
Alex
Your donations allow us to reach more people all over Scotland sitting in silence this Christmas. Help us be there for them when no one else is.
Please make a donation today and help Age Scotland offer friendship to more lonely older people like Hazel this Christmas. You can donate online* above, or if you prefer, you may do so over the telephone. Please call us on 03330 15 14 60, and we can assist you with your donation or setting up a regular gift. Our lines are open from 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
*A small fee applies to online transactions. Age Scotland provides a range of services, and your gift will go where the need is greatest.