CEO Paul Allen, was interviewed on BBC1 Breakfast TV in connection with Abbeyfield’s winter campaign Companionship At Christmas,a campaign which invites older people to spend the Christmas holidays in one of over 120 supported houses across England and Wales to enjoy either a delicious free meal and/or overnight stay.
Paul joined presenters Charlie Stayt and Suzzana Reid and a representative from Age UK on the sofa in the BBC studios in West London for an early morning chat to discuss the impact of loneliness on older people.
During the interview, Paul highlighted the sad reality that loneliness that affects older people although more poignant at Christmas, was a year round issue that Abbeyfield was devised by founder Richard Carr-Gomm to combat. He took the opportunity to explain how Abbeyfield would be helping to alleviate the isolation and loneliness felt by older people this Christmas.
Paul invited people that might want to help Abbeyfield provide companionship and help enhance the lives of older people at Christmas and more generally our residents throughout the year, to get in touch with Abbeyfield and join the 10,000 strong volunteer network.
He said “Our volunteers really make a difference to the lives of many of our residents. They are very sensitive to the needs of the individual and are a fundamental asset that helps us to provide the best qualiity support and care for older people across the country."
He continued: "Sadly, the problem of loneliness is as great now as when Abbeyfield was founded in 1956”