7 December 2016

Christmas can be a lonely time for many, especially older people, with figures showing that more than 54,000 older Scots will spend Christmas alone.

The First Minister is encouraging people to support their older friends, neighbours and relatives throughout the Christmas period and this week joined residents of a sheltered housing complex in Leith and pupils from Drummond High for an intergenerational Christmas tea party.

The pupils and residents have been taking part in a project to learn about each other’s lives in support of Age Scotland’s ‘No-one should have no one at Christmas’ campaign.

WATCH: FM @NicolaSturgeon joins a Christmas tea party to explain why she's supporting @agescotland campaign to end loneliness pic.twitter.com/L1fWONUFf5

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) December 5, 2016

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

Dealing with loneliness and isolation can be incredibly difficult, but at this time of year it’s especially heartbreaking to see that so many older Scots will spend Christmas alone.

By reaching out to older people in their street or community – by taking them out, doing a good deed or simply having a chat – people can have a hugely positive impact on the wellbeing and happiness of an older person.”

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland Chief Executive, said:

As part of our No-One Should Have No-One campaign, we’re asking people to check on older neighbours and perhaps even see if they need a helping hand. Small gestures, like going round for a cuppa, or clearing paths of snow or ice and showing you are concerned, can provide comfort and aid to older people.

Our national Freephone telephone helpline – 0800 12 44 222 – available for older people, their families and carers, offers friendship and contact as well as information and advice.”

Massive thanks to Pilmeny Development Project @PortofLeithHA & @Drummond_CHS for todays Christmas tea party! #endloneliness @agescotland pic.twitter.com/xxpw0TCtfk

— Age Scotland (@agescotland) December 5, 2016