The upcoming bank holiday weekend to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a wonderful opportunity to get together with friends, neighbours and loved ones, and relive happy memories.
But at The Silver Line Helpline we know that, for many older people, the celebrations and street parties taking place across London will simply exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation that were already a struggle before the pandemic but have been made worse by the restrictions and distress and damage Covid caused.
With the end of Covid restrictions, many people are quite rightly desperate to return to pre-pandemic life, but The Silver Line Helpline hears from many older people who feel more isolated and lonely than ever, with recent ONS statistics showing that one in six people aged 70+ have reported feeling lonely.
So, it might be a lovely way to celebrate by inviting an older member of the family or neighbour to a street party, or for a Jubilee lunch or cup of tea?
We also know that one in five older people still feel uncomfortable about leaving their home due to coronavirus, so if you have a relative, friend or neighbour who doesn’t feel like going out right now, then a phone call to see how they’re doing and have a chat can make the world of difference.
The Silver Line Helpline is also available 24/7, offering information and friendship to older people.
I really recommend it, because I know the phone conversations, the exchange of memories, and the friendly chats can make a huge difference to the older people who call us.
We are free, confidential, and open all day and every night on 0800 4 70 80 90.
So, if you know of an older person who you think could benefit from The Silver Line’s Helpline, please do share the number with them.
That way we can make sure nobody feels alone.
To find out more about the vital work of The Silver Line Helpline please visit: www.thesilverline.org.uk
Dame Esther Rantzen
Founder of The Silver Line Helpline