ABBEYFIELD House in Kingsbridge is raising awareness of loneliness and isolation experienced by older people over Christmas.

A recent poll found that 89 per cent believed the company of others was the key to having a good Christmas. 78 per cent highlighted the importance of laughing and hearing others’ laughter and 73 per cent voted for sharing food. Overall, seven in ten people said that having the company of others was the most important aspect of a good Christmas for them.

The poll was conducted by the Abbeyfield Society as part of their ‘Coping at Christmas’ campaign. Last month, Dr Sarah Wollaston MP launched the campaign at Abbeyfield House in Kingsbridge with a live question and answer session on health and social care in the local area.

The campaign hopes to inspire local care homes, hotels, B&Bs and neighbours to get behind their initiative and embrace the spirit of Christmas. They are hoping to encourage local people and businesses to open their doors to isolated and lonely older people to share Christmas with them.

Earlier this month, the Reverend Jackie Taylor and children from Charleton Primary School visited Abbeyfiled House to sing carols and spend time with the residents. Visits such as this are important, especially at Christmas, allowing residents to feel connected to the local community.

Christine Taft, a resident at Abbeyfield said: ‘I’m here on my own, I don’t have any family, no relatives, so why go anywhere else where I don’t know anyone?’

When asked about the issue of isolation, Christine said: ‘Loneliness is a big problem. I know a lady who said she would just love to go and have a cup of tea with a different neighbour every day, but it’s just not possible.

‘I once bumped into an old friend, who told me he how lonely he had been getting since his wife had died. I suggested that he come to the coffee mornings at Abbeyfield House and he’s since been to lunch a few times. He’s made lots of friends here and knows everybody here now!’

Abbeyfield House is inviting older people living in the local community to join them for lunch on Christmas Day and at festive events throughout December and January. Now in its sixth year, the ‘Coping at Christmas’ campaign extends a warm welcome and companionship to visitors, offering a home-cooked meal, some carol singing or perhaps a mince pie or two.

Christine added: ‘Loneliness can hit you at any time. I’m sure loneliness can be a big cause of dementia, with no one around to boost you up and say ‘you can do it.’’

Dennis Kefford, another resident at Abbeyfield couldn’t speak highly enough of the sense of connection he gets, saying: ‘I wish everybody could end up in a place like Abbeyfield House, there’s such a great social life here.’

Other initiatives in the local area include the Age UK lunch club in Kingsbridge, which will be opening its doors on Christmas day, although unfortunately this event is already fully booked. Graham Smith from the lunch club explained: ‘It’s to get people together on Christmas day, it’s nice to meet people, have a jolly good meal and a glass of wine - it makes their day. Christmas Day can be very lonely, if only we had a bigger building, we could have hundreds of people here.’

Saltstone Caring, a local charity promoting independence for isolated or vulnerable people in the local area, will be closed from Wednesday, December 23, but will continue to offer support with hospital discharges and emergencies.

Lisa Butcher, co-ordinator at Saltstone said: ‘Loneliness in older people is a huge problem, especially with the demographics of the local area. 16 per cent of the local population are pensioners living alone, as they grow older they become more immobile, have to stop driving and find it harder to see friends and maintain social contact.’

Lisa explained that Saltstone is always trying to reach out to new people to offer companionship, local outings or support with shopping, so anyone who thinks that they, or someone they know might benefit from their services are urged to contact the charity on 01548 854588.

Sarah Bullock, manager of Abbeyfield House said: ‘We want to expand the campaign to include our neighbours and local businesses. And therefore discover the true meaning of Christmas, opening doors to people less fortunate than ourselves.

‘Kingsbridge is a special town, so we’d like to request townspeople for help and support, to open their doors and let us know of any stories they have.

‘Modbury is famous for its ban of plastic bags. Let’s try and make Kingsbridge a ‘Coping at Christmas’ town!’

Abbeyfield House in Saffron Park provides housing to 11 older people who live together in a supported and friendly atmosphere. Residents retain their independence, but without the worries and bills of running a house. The house was built and opened in 1997 with an active team of local volunteers and staff. There is an emphasis on living within a ‘family home’ environment, with activities, social events and two freshly cooked meals a day in a central dining room. The house is part of the Abbeyfield Society, an international charity based in St Albans.

Abbeyfield House is open for lunch on Christmas day for those aged 75 or over, for further information please call Sarah Bullock by Wednesday, December 23 on 01548 854090.