WHILE the festive season builds up to into full swing over the next few weeks, it is worth remembering that thousands of people in Worcestershire dread this time of the year.

The dark nights, unsettled weather and lack of social contact and isolation from the world of Christmas cheer all add up to an annual nightmare for the many lonely people in the county.

It is estimated that there are 35,000 lonely people across Worcestershire and the county branch of a national charity is asking the public to help it ensure the success of a brand new and unique service for older people.

Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire is leading on establishing the first service in the UK to focus entirely on loneliness, its causes, impact on older people and sustainable ways of tackling it.

The charity is asking members of the public to spread the word about this new initiative which aims to match a lonely person with a volunteer who helps them to build confidence and eventually reconnect with their local community and enjoy activities that match their interests.

It works alongside existing services, such as befriending, but seeks first to build confidence and also to understand each individuals’ interests and preferences – so that they can be matched in a way that suits them.

Philip Talbot, the chief executive officer of Age UK across Worcestershire, said: “People become lonely for lots of reasons. They may be socially isolated, suffered periods of illness or had a significant change in circumstances.

“Whatever the reason, our new Reconnections service is there to help. You can get referred in to the scheme by a health professional such as your GP or nurse. You can be referred by your housing provider or you can simply refer yourself. We will help you re-build your connections around you.

“Our target is to reduce the 35,000 people who are currently lonely in Worcestershire by 4,000 in just three years. That is a big task and we need everyone’s help.

“You might know someone who is lonely or you may want to help out as a volunteer for just a couple of hours a week. Whatever motivates you, you can contribute.

“Loneliness is a relatively new condition brought about, in part, by the busy lives we all lead for ourselves nowadays. Here is a chance to make a difference in your community and help out.

He said that Lynn Jeffs, Advanced Nurse Practitioner for the Proactive Care Team (Malvern), referred a lady to Reconnections who lives in sheltered accommodation. She has multiple health conditions and is on oxygen.

“There are many activities arranged for the people who live there but this lady feels incredibly socially isolated. She finds it difficult to go out and has lost the confidence to attend activities on her own.”

Lynn said: “We sent a Reconnections officer to see her and the lady replied to Lynn that she was so pleased a member of Reconnections had visited her. She has a spark back that was missing and is very much looking forward to the volunteer visiting her this week.

“The Reconnections plan has brought back a positivity for life that she had lost. She has very supportive family but was looking for someone who has the time to visit and talk to her. Reconnections has changed her life.”

To find out more about Reconnections, visit the website www.reconnectionsservice.org.uk, call 0800 195 8040, or email reconnections@ageukhw.org.uk

Case studies (the names have been changed):

1. William was referred to the Reconnections service by his GP who noted he was feeling very low since the death of his wife a year ago. He missed her dreadfully and was finding it hard to make any social contacts as he didn’t drive and his health issues meant he couldn’t walk far.

Through Reconnections, William was matched with a volunteer – initial contact started with a phone call but then carried on with regular visits. His volunteer encouraged William to attend a local wellbeing club and a gardening group as he had expressed an interest in, not only attending this type of activity, helping out at the group himself.

The gardening club has helped William with his confidence and lessened his anxiety on returning to social activities. His own passion for gardening makes him feel valued by other members of the club as he loves to chat and share his knowledge. He now has more confidence to attend the wellbeing lunch club where he chats easily with other members.

2. Vera was referred to Reconnections by a health professional after she had a fall at home. She lives alone with no family support. She also cares part time for her daughter who has special needs. The health professional reported that Vera had no friends, didn’t drive and seemed wary of strangers/new people.

Vera was paired with a volunteer who visited Vera at home regularly to build her confidence and encourage her to come out and meet other people at a local club where she can join in activities. The local wellbeing centre run a singing group and as this was something Vera had told the Reconnections officer she loved to do, the volunteer arranged to take her along for a sing song and a bite to eat.

Vera now really looks forward to her calls and visits and although she can still get anxious at times this is because she is not used to the attention and care she is now getting. She thoroughly enjoys singing as part of the group and feels like a new person when people show an interest in her.

What the service users say about Reconnections

Jenny, aged 95 said: "Since I have been involved with "Reconnections" it has been a lovely way of getting out of my house and meeting new people. I enjoy every minute of being out and have met generous, caring people. I would certainly miss it if I wasn't involved."

Joan, aged 76, said: "The Reconnections programme has boosted my confidence in enabling me to come out of my house. I feel that Christmas has come early, I am more animated and happier because of it."

Emily, aged 84, said: "I feel like I have been reborn!"

• Reconnections is a partnership of local organisations, specialist providers and wider stakeholders working together with the common aim of reducing loneliness for people aged 50 and over in Worcestershire. They are Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire; Age UK Malvern & District; Onside Advocacy; PSSRU; Rooftop Group; Rural Communities Programme – Wychavon District Council; Simply Limitless; Social Finance and Worcester Community Trust.