Fears raised that Portsmouth pensioners could be 'very lonely' on Christmas Day

COUNTLESS pensioners are set to be stuck at home with nobody to talk to this Christmas, according to a city organisation.
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Pompey Pensioners, a group that connects elderly people across Portsmouth, has voiced concerns about the upcoming festive season and it’s impact on the older generation.

Travel restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus lockdown means that elderly people who would have travelled to visit relatives for Christmas – or been visited themselves – will sit in their living rooms alone on December 25.

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It comes after The News launched its new Christmas Calls campaign in association with Age UK, which will give lonely pensioners somebody to talk to on Christmas Day.

Pensioners will be happy to get a phone call this ChristmasPensioners will be happy to get a phone call this Christmas
Pensioners will be happy to get a phone call this Christmas
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People urged to sign up to give those facing Christmas alone a call on Christmas...

Chairman Steve Bonner said: ‘This is a really big issue because it’s so difficult to quantify.

People might not have family nearby, or access to transportation, so with the lockdown restrictions in place that could leave them in a very lonely position.

‘It can be a very special time of the year, but it can also be a difficult period if you have nobody to talk to.’

From left, Alan Burnett, Cyril Saunders and Steve Bonner from the Portsmouth Pensioners Association. Picture: Sarah Standing (210619-1378)From left, Alan Burnett, Cyril Saunders and Steve Bonner from the Portsmouth Pensioners Association. Picture: Sarah Standing (210619-1378)
From left, Alan Burnett, Cyril Saunders and Steve Bonner from the Portsmouth Pensioners Association. Picture: Sarah Standing (210619-1378)
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Steve says pensioners whose partners have died, or have been shielding this year, are among those who will need the most support.

As part of his work with the group, he calls members once a week to see how they are getting on, and if there’s anything that can be done for them.

Steve says Pompey Pensioners will be getting on board with The News’ campaign, as he knows how important a simple phone call can be.

‘To you it’s just a phone call, but for them it has such a huge impact on their day,’ he said.

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‘People are always happy to get a phone call – it’s much nicer and more personal than a text or Facebook message, and you get a greater understanding of exactly how they are feeling.

‘I have spoken to people before and at the start of the call they sound really low, but have perked up by the end, so the more people join this campaign, the better.’

To get involved in Christmas Calls campaign visit ageuk.org.uk/portsmouth/about-us/contact-us/ by Wednesday, November 25. Fill in the form and add the message: ‘I would like to take part in the Christmas Calls campaign with The News as a befriender / befriendee’.

Everyone who signs up to make a phone call will have to get a DBS check, which costs £5. The News is asking those making the phone calls to pay for this, but support is available from Age UK to anyone who cannot pay.

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