Loneliness This Winter:
Why Connection Matters More Than Ever
Winter can be a challenging time, especially for older people living alone. Shorter days, colder weather, and changes in health can make it harder to get out, stay connected, and see friends and family. For many, winter can feel long and isolating.
At Friends Helping at Home, we know that connection is more than just a comfort, it’s essential to health and wellbeing.
According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and over a million older people report going more than a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour, or family member.
Loneliness isn’t just about feeling sad. It’s linked to serious health risks, including heart disease, stroke, and dementia. It can also affect mental health, increasing the likelihood of depression and anxiety. In fact, 9 in 10 older people who are often lonely say they feel unhappy or depressed.
Taking Action This Winter
We believe no one should feel alone, especially during the colder months. That’s why we’ve introduced initiatives to support connection, companionship, and community across the areas we serve.
A Friend This Winter: Coffee Mornings Across South Devon
Sometimes, all it takes is one invitation to make someone’s day. Our coffee mornings offer a warm drink, friendly conversation, and a welcoming space to connect.
They’re about more than just coffee, they’re about building friendships, sharing stories, and creating moments of joy. For someone living alone, taking part in a coffee morning can be the start of new connections and a brighter winter.
Connecting Generations: The Pen Pals Project in North Somerset
We’re also proud of our Pen Pals project, which brings together local school children and care home residents. Through letters, they build friendships, share stories, and brighten each other’s days. These exchanges create meaningful connections that cross generations and show how small gestures can have a big impact.
Time Makes a Difference
Whether it’s through visits, coffee mornings, or simple chats, taking the time to truly connect is at the heart of what we do. Sitting down with someone, sharing a cup of tea, and having a conversation can mean the world to someone living alone.
At Friends Helping at Home, we’re committed to creating moments of connection, every day, in every community we serve. This winter, we invite you to reach out, whether that’s attending a coffee morning, sending a letter to a Pen Pal, or simply checking in on a neighbour. Because sometimes, a small act of kindness can make a lonely winter feel a little brighter.
Interested in getting involved with our Pen Pals Project, or want some more advice on supporting elderly people, contact us today on:
Call us: 0333 202 71 71
Or find out more at:
www.friendshelpingathome.co.uk
