Hazel's Story

No one deserves to face Christmas alone. 
But thousands of older people across Scotland will be.

One of them is Hazel. 77 years old from Dumbarton, she moved back home to care for her mother through illness. After her mother passed, her dad was then in and out of hospital until he eventually died as well. Hazel attributes his death to a broken heart. 

Then, just before Covid, Hazel's life partner Gerry collapsed in the street and passed away.
"We were together for 27 years. He was the other half of me. After he died I could not sleep with the light off. I still say good night to him, even now."

You cope, because you have to. But the loneliness still gets me. 

Hazel speaks to the Age Scotland friendship callers on a Friday, and she says the calls are what lift her up the most when things get dark.

The Age Scotland friendship calls have lifted me up so much. I look forward to a Friday because I know that no matter what happens I will have someone to talk to. 
It’s a relaxed atmosphere and it makes me feel like I’m having a wee natter with my best friend.
Genuinely, an awful lot of times when I have been really down, I count how many days it is till Friday. Because then I get my call and have someone to talk to and someone to listen. The service is incredible.  

With Christmas around the corner, a season that used to bring joy and comfort to Hazel now inspires dread. She remembers her family's signature dishes and the time they shared together. But now, instead of a Christmas dinner, she gets a meal for one and watches TV. She won't watch anything too Christmassy or about families at Christmas. It hurts too much. 

Everybody else is happy and they are happy with their families. I see people out Christmas shopping but I don’t have anyone to buy for. 

I am always relieved when the day is over.

If not for Age Scotland's Friendship Service, Hazel wouldn't speak to anyone on Christmas Day.

*We have not used a real image of Hazel in order to protect her privacy.

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