Lord Mayor of Portsmouth joins The News' Christmas Calls campaign

The News has teamed up with Age UK Portsmouth to launch Christmas Calls – and pair people up with someone from the Portsmouth area who will be lonely over the festive season so they can receive a call on Christmas Day.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Rob Wood is the latest Portsmouth personality to sign up to the cause.

He told The News: ‘I think this is a fantastic cause that means people are looking out and looking after those who need it in our city.

Christmas is a time for coming together but for many, and even more so this year, it can be a lonely and isolated time.

‘I think those who will get a call on Christmas Day will really appreciate it.’

The Lord Mayor joins staff from Portsmouth Football Club and Pompey in the Community, Portsmouth MPs, Penny Mordaunt and Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth City Council Councillor Donna Jones, Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage, Havant MP Alan Mak and Fareham MP Suella Braverman.

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Pompey legend and Age UK Portsmouth patron Alan Knight is also part of the campaign and Editor of The News, Mark Waldron has also signed up along with other News staff.

He said: ‘This campaign is about helping spread some festive cheer to the people who need it and in a year when we could all use a little cheering up.

‘It is just a a little bit of your time but I know it will mean so much to those getting that call so I urge people to sign up and help bring a smile to someone in our city this Christmas.’

To get involved in Christmas Calls campaign visit ageuk.org.uk/portsmouth/about-us/contact-us/ by Wednesday, November 25.

Please fill in the details on the contact form and put the below text in the message.

Hi,

I would like to take part in the Christmas Calls campaign with The News as a befriender / befriendee (*delete as appropriate)

The team at Age UK Portsmouth will then contact you to fill in a DBS form which will cost £5. If you are unable to pay this will not exclude you from taking part.

Others who are unable to donate their time, can donate to Age UK Portsmouth to help fund other people’s DBS checks via justgiving.com/ageukportsmouth

If you are successful with the DBS check then you will be invited to an online induction meeting with the Age UK team before you are assigned your person to call at Christmas.

The deadline for the campaign is Wednesday, November 25 so that DBS checks can be carried out before Christmas Day.

You can also email Age UK Portsmouth to get involved on [email protected]

Or call 02392 862121. Lines are open Monday to Thursday between 8.45am and 5pm and Friday between 8.45am and 4.30pm.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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