Portsmouth Football Club and Pompey in the Community backs campaign to give those facing Christmas alone a call on Christmas Day

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.

Staff from Portsmouth Football Club and Pompey in the Community will be signing up to take part and are encouraging fans to do the same.

PiTC chief executive Clare Martin said: ‘We thought it was such a fabulous idea. Loneliness is an issue at all times of year but Christmas is one of those times that really focuses on being together and highlights to those feeling alone even more.

‘It takes very little effort from people to pick up the phone and speak to another person but the benefit that person will get is immeasurable.’

Politicians Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan and Donna Jones, Hilsea councillor and leader of the Conservatives in Portsmouth,are both also joining the campaign.

Mr Morgan told The News: ‘As a former trustee at Age UK Portsmouth I know how valuable their work is for communities across our city.

‘Loneliness amongst some of the most vulnerable is always a concern, particularly at Christmas. The coronavirus pandemic has raised concerns that this year more people are set to become even more isolated due to shielding and Covid-19 restrictions.

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‘It is why I am proud to support The News and Age UK Portsmouth’s fantastic campaign to combat loneliness within our community during this winter period. I hope many will continue to stay part of the scheme beyond this period too.’

Cllr Jones added: ‘Christmas can be a lonely time for people, especially the elderly and those living alone. This year the effects are likely to be worse due to Covid.

‘The campaign being run by The News with Age UK is a fantastic way for people across the city to get involved to support a lonely or elderly person. As soon as I heard about the campaign, I signed up straight away and I would urge others to do the same.'

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)

Best wishes,

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.

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