Keep an eye on your older friends and neighbours this winter – that is the Christmas call from Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner.
As figures from Age UK reveal that in the North West 230,000 people over 65 are not looking forward to Christmas this year and more than 800,000 say loneliness is made worse by the festive season, Tony Lloyd is urging local people to take the time to lookout for older residents.
Older people are also particularly vulnerable to doorstep criminals who see them as an easy target.
Tony said: “With the hustle and bustle of Christmas, it’s easy for us to forget about older friends, neighbours and relatives, some of whom may not be looking forward to the festive period. But this is an ideal time to spread some Christmas cheer and embrace the community spirit that weaves throughout Greater Manchester.
“Simply by being vigilant and keeping an eye on our vulnerable and older neighbours we can help keep them and our communities safe and strong. Just a knock on the door to say hello, popping in for a cup of tea, or dropping off a bag of shopping is enough to break that cycle of loneliness and isolation. It may be a small gesture but will make a big difference to that person.
“Christmas always brings out the best in Greater Manchester people – the majority of whom are generous and warm-hearted – and I’m confident you will rise to this call and lookout for those who perhaps need a little help and company this year.”
Earlier this month, staff from Tony’s office spread festive cheer in Tameside, helping prepare Christmas lunch for the St Martin’s Church Luncheon Club in Droylsden.
Tony has also added his support to the Age UK ‘No one should have no one at Christmas’ campaign which aims to raise awareness of the loneliness epidemic among older people at Christmas. Find out more at www.ageuk.org.uk/no-one/
For help and advice on how to prevent becoming a victim of doorstep crime visit www.gmvictims.org.uk/doorstepcrime
