I have made some further research online to find out about some of the existing solutions to combatting elderly loneliness. Some of the most successful and active solutions found are as follows:
A charity that holds regular free Sunday afternoon tea parties for people over 75 who live alone. The individuals are collected from their homes and driven to the volunteer host’s home for the afternoon, where they will meet and socialise with other elderly and lonely people. You can either apply online or on 0800 716543.
A helpline for older people set up by Esther Rantzen. The Silver Line is the only confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK open every day and night of the year. Their specially-trained helpline team offer information, friendship and advice, link callers to local groups and services, offer regular friendship calls and protect and support older people who are suffering abuse and neglect. 68% of calls to the helpline are made at night and weekends. The number is 0800 4708090.
Independent Age
A charity that can provide you and your family with clear, free and impartial advice on the issues that matter: care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility. You can either get in touch online or on 0800 3196789. Independant Age also campaign about independence for older people - they talk to politicians, get supporters to write letters and try and work in local communities.
Local branches run computer courses to help older people become PC user friendly and computer literate to help them to learn how to Skype, Facetime, etc, with family and friends who may live far away. They also offer a huge range of information and advice on money, health and wellbeing, care, support, travel and work. They have an online site and can be contacted on 0800 1692081.
A Charity set for elderly lonely people to receive a weekly or fortnightly friendship call from a volunteer who enjoys talking to older people. According to their website, volunteers are important to help encourage those who have lost confidence. By building them up, they regain their ability to socialise and meet new people independently. They have a website and can be contacted via 020 7730 8263.
Royal Voluntary Service
Helps put elderly people in touch with volunteers who provide free transport in areas where there is a limited public transport system or for those with mobility issues. They also offer support at home, social activities, help getting out and about, hospital support and more. They have a website and can be called on 0845 608 0122.
The Casserole Club
A charity where volunteers share extra portions of homecooked food with people in their area who live alone and are not able to cook for themselves. They share once a week, once a month or whenever works best for them.
70% of those receiving meals count their volunteer Cooks as friends and 80% of those receiving meals wouldn't have as much social interaction without Casserole Club. The process of how it works is explained below.
University of the Third Age (U3A)
A UK movement of retired and semi-retired people who come together to continue their educational, social and creative interests in a friendly and informal environment. It operates in many areas offering older people a chance to learn, do or play something new. It is run by volunteers and it has a ‘university’ of members who draw upon their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other but there are no qualifications to pass – it is just for pleasure. To become a U3A member you simply join your local U3A.
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