Farron applauds Christmas companionship campaign

South Lakes MP Tim has tabled an Early Day Motion supporting the "Companionship at Christmas" campaign, which aims to improve the quality of life for older people over the festive period.

An growing number of older people face spending Christmas time alone. Run by the charity Abbeyfield, the "Companionship at Christmas" campaign plans to combat this increasing trend by offering free lunches and overnight stays to older people at Christmas time.

The lunches and stays will take place at Abbeyfield houses across the country. Local people are invited to get involved by befriending, supporting and spreading the news to older people, who may suffer needlessly from isolation over the festive period.

Commenting, Tim said "I am so encouraged to hear that the Companionship at Christmas Campaign is working creatively and thoughtfully to ensure that older people will not be left out this Christmas. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of family celebrations and forget about those who find this period difficult.

"I know that it can be very hard for older people to feel connected with and valued by the community. I am excited by the work of Abbeyfield for not only raising the profile of the issues older people face, but also working enthusiastically to relieve loneliness, especially at Christmas time."