Text Santa: Caring for the elderly at Christmas

As many of us gear up for our Christmas celebrations we take a look at one charity who work tirelessly to make sure one generation isn't overlooked. Age UK are one of the charities being supported by ITV's Text Santa appeal this year. They've been running Christmas parties across the region to make sure those who would normally be on their own get a chance to put on their glad rags and kick up their heels.

At Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham the stage has been set for a tea dance with a difference. The partygoers here know their foxtrot from their tango and adore dancing. In fact many say it's what keeps them going. "We'd be sat in the chair with no company if it wasn't for this," one woman told me.

Charity Age UK run events like this across the country to make sure the older generation don't miss out on their chance to celebrate this festive season. Maggie Hurley from Age UK said, "without donations we couldn't exist and help these older people."

Lilian seen in the picture above said since the death of her husband from cancer dances like this are a real lifeline and a chance to connect. She's also passionate about keeping services for her generation adding: "i've been walked over, but no more we need to stand up for ourselves."

And that's the spirit across the room from all the dancers who use events like this to find their feet once more.

Find out more about Text Santa here.

100% of donations made by viewers are evenly distributed to ITV's chosen charities within three months of each televised appeal.

All Text Santa operating costs including staffing and the programme itself are funded directly by ITV as part of our corporate giving, and not from our corporate partners or your contributions.