Many older people spend Christmas entirely on their own, never receiving a single card or present.

This past year, however, saw around 2,000 isolated and lonely older people who have contacted The Silver Line Helpline receive a gift and a card.

Thanks to a grant of £7,500 from Worcestershire Freemasons.

Jonathan Swift from Worcestershire Freemasons, said: I’m very pleased we were able to bring a little Christmas cheer to the older people who’ve been calling The Silver Line. Being alone is difficult all year round, but it’s especially hard during the festive season. We want people to realise that loneliness affects people all year round and The Sliver Line is always open for people who need someone to talk to."

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The Silver Line offers emotional support and friendship to vulnerable and isolated older people.

As well as it's 24 hour helpline, the charity offers a telephone befriending service which matches volunteers with an older person for regular weekly phone calls. These become real friendships, transforming lives and giving older people a conversation to look forward to in a lonely week.

Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of The Silver Line said: “The loneliness and neglect that many of our Silver Line callers experience is simply heart-breaking. A Christmas box of goodies is way of reassuring them that they have not been forgotten, that they are valued, and that we were thinking of them over Christmas. I know what a huge difference these gifts made, and I am truly grateful to the Masonic Charitable Foundation and Worcestershire Freemasons, for making them possible.”

Call The Silver Line on 08004 708 090 for free.