Age UK B&NES is launching a Christmas appeal to raise funds to help tackle loneliness after a recent report revealed the South West as the loneliest place in the UK for older people.
The Starlight Appeal will be launched on Wednesday 12th November, at 2pm, when Avon Fire and Rescue Service will help Age UK B&NES staff and volunteers decorate the tree on Kingsmead Square in Bath with stars.
Boston Tea Party will also be getting involved, providing food tasters for members of the public.
The appeal hopes to raise at least £5000 and attract more volunteers to support the charity’s vital befriending service.
Age UK B&NES befrienders provide companionship, social contact and support to older people in the community. This could be anything from having a chat over a cup of tea, visiting the shops together or going to a café.
One older person explained how much his befriender improves his life. He said: “I look forward to his visits…it’s is nice to share some company as it’s very lonely on my own and I cannot get out and about. It helps to feel I’m not alone.”
Businesses are being asked to show their support for the appeal by buying a star to be displayed on the tree, at a minimum cost of £25.
The charity will also be drawing chalk paint stars in a ‘Hollywood walk of fame’ style on the pavements outside supporting businesses across the city.
Members of the public can get involved too and will be encouraged to donate anything they can afford, from as little as £1 for a starlight lapel pin.
These will be on sale from Age UK B&NES’ office on Kingsmead Square and also from other local businesses.
Any donations will make a difference – for example £200 funds one befriender for a year; £16 will fund a month; £4 funds a week. This will be used to train and support volunteers to provide the befriending service.
To buy a star or find out more visit http://starlightappeal.tumblr.com email [email protected] or visit the Age UK B&NES office in Kingsmead Square.
Janet Dabbs, chief executive of Age UK B&NES, said: “Loneliness and isolation are major issues facing the older people in our community – it’s shocking that one in four households in the South West has a lonely older person.
“Our befriending service is often an absolute lifeline – if you are interested in finding out more about becoming a volunteer befriender, please get in touch for an informal chat.
“Any time you can offer to visit an older person, could really change someone’s life. We currently have 25 people in this area waiting to be matched with a befriender.
“Most volunteers offer up to an hour or so a week. We provide full training and support and would never call upon volunteers to do any nursing work – it is simply about offering friendship.”
Befrienders are currently needed in: Peasedown St John; Keynsham; Saltford; Midsomer Norton; Radstock; Timsbury; Combe Down; Odd Down; Oldfield Park; Twerton; Weston; Newbridge and Bathampton.
Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities with the charity should contact Chris Hart at [email protected] or call 01225 462641 for an informal chat.