Age UK York Launches Winter Campaign: Stamp Out Loneliness

Schoolchildren across York are being asked help by creating cards to send to those who are alone this Christmas.

Winter has well and truly arrived in York. The trees are shedding their beautiful orange and red leaves, the temperature has dropped, and the dark nights are drawing in earlier. 

 This means cosy evenings snuggled up with a blanket, a cuppa and a good film.  

There is festive cheer in the air and the Christmas lights are on, brightening up the dark sky. 

 Most people associate this time of the year with parties, catching up with friends and family, feeling joyful and laughing around the Christmas table at awful cracker jokes.  

However, not everyone will be surrounded by their loved ones to enjoy the festivities. 

While winter does bring cosy evenings, it can also bring loneliness, especially for the elderly.  

With the shorter days and harsh weather conditions, there are less opportunities to socialise, this adds to the feeling of loneliness and isolation which many older people experience.  

According to the national Age UK, almost one million (940,000) people aged 65 and over in the UK are often lonely. 

Aiming to combat loneliness and raise awareness and funds to support older people across the city who may be struggling with loneliness, isolation or financial hardship, York’s local Age UK charity has launched it’s Winter campaign: “Stamp Out Loneliness”.  

Simon Holmes, Chief Executive of Age UK York said: “Social isolation and loneliness are two of the biggest challenges we see day in, day out, affecting older people across our city.” 

“At Age UK York, we are determined to do everything we can to alleviate those pressures – to be there when people need us, bringing companionship and to offer a helping hand.” 

A Community Effort: Stamp Out Loneliness 

A key initiative of the “Stamp Out Loneliness” campaign is for primary school children to design and create Christmas cards which will be sent to older people living alone in York. 

Speaking on the Christmas cards, Simon Holmes said: “An initiative like this can make all the difference. Receiving a card from a local child can brighten someone’s day and remind them that they’re not forgotten this Christmas.” 

Through this campaign, the charity aims to raise enough money to purchase stamps to send the cards as well as provide warm winter packs containing thermometers, energy-saving tips and other useful tips to help older people stay safe and comfortable through the colder months. 

New packs of Christmas cards will be available to buy in all four of Age UK York’s charity shops across the city. 

For every pack of cards sold, 87p (the cost of a second-class stamp) will be directly donated to the campaign. 

Tackling Poverty Among Older People 

As well as loneliness, Age UK York is also highlighting the issue of pensioner poverty in York and beyond. 

Age UK published a study in 2022 titled ‘Poverty In Later Life’ which states that “Although poverty levels are lower than they were 20 years ago, the latest figures show 2.1 million (18 per cent) of pensioners in the UK live in poverty.”  

Simon Holmes said: “Across the UK, around 300,000 older people have faced increasing risks of poverty in the last decade and York is no exception.” 

 “The cost of living crisis has made it even harder for many to stay warm and well.” 

“Our charity funds a dedicated service providing benefit, advice and support and we continue to see increased local need for help.” 

“We can only be there when needed thanks to the help of those so kindly supporting our charity, from volunteering to donations.” 

How Can You Help? 

Why not check in with your elderly neighbours? 

 Invite them round for a chat and a cuppa or simply speak to them when passing by; you never know how much a simple ‘hello’ could cheer someone up. 

Age UK York is calling on the local community to support the campaign – whether through donations or by volunteering time to help older people stay connected and supported this winter. 

Age UK are encouraging people of all ages to volunteer and spend one hour a week chatting, sharing stories, or simply offering companionship to those who are lonely. 

Many older people in York have asked for a bit of friendly social contact.  

Age UK York would love to match older people up with volunteers who will receive full training and support from the team to keep them company. 

Michael, who has been a ‘befriender’ for over five years said: “I have been matched with a gent who has the same interests as me, trains and buses and I always leave feeling better than when I arrived.” 

 “I encourage anyone to volunteer with Age UK York and bring sunshine into the lives of others.” 

Simon Holmes, Chief Executive of Age UK York says: “Together, we can make a real difference.”  

“By supporting Age UK York this winter, you can help ensure that no older person in our city feels forgotten or alone.” 

For more information, to donate or, volunteer: 

Visit: www.ageukyork.org.uk 

Email: info@ageukyork.org.uk | volunteering@ageukyork.org.uk 

Phone: 01904 634061 

Keep up with the campaign on Age UK York’s socials: 

Instagram: @ageukyork 

Facebook:  @AgeUKYork 

X: @AgeUK York