Age UK's drive to combat Christmas loneliness in Lancashire

Christmas is normally a time for decorations and celebrations but research from Age UK Lancashire shows it’ll be very different for many older people in the North West.

Over 300,000 over 65's here won’t be putting up Christmas decorations this year.

And 150,000 will be eating Christmas dinner alone.

Research highlights the profound effects of loneliness, linking it to:

  • Inactivity and increased stress.

  • Higher risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline.

  • Depression, low self-esteem, and social anxiety.

  • Sleep disturbances and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s

Now though Age UK are doing their bit to help those feeling alone.

At the Walton Lane Community Centre in Nelson they're running a sing-song and chat session.

Pensioner Ann Burnett told us "but for coming here, I'd have nothing else to do"

Credit: ITV

Meanwhile at Charles House in Failsworth they've been running their Men In Sheds sessions where woodwork and model railways are the order of the day.

Geoff Ahmed with one of his bird nesting boxes Credit: ITV

Organiser John Scholes says it's a brilliant environment for men to socialise and show off their skills.

Some people are here as many as 5 times per week.

Age UK aims to raise £3,000 to fund vital services like this, that reduce loneliness across Lancashire this winter.

You can find out more here