Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, is joining fellow local MPs to take part in Portsmouth News and Age UK Portsmouth Christmas Calls campaign this year – signing up to have a chat with a lonely local resident who is spending Christmas day alone.
Along with Caroline, Age UK Portsmouth patron Alan Knight – football hero of local club Portsmouth FC – is taking part with Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt, Fareham MP Suella Braverman and Havant MP Alan Mak.
The News has reported that Age UK Portsmouth has done 750 welfare checks since the pandemic started in the UK last March, and have seen an increase in social isolation.
Caroline commented:
“Loneliness is a problem that I know many residents face throughout the year, but the pandemic has only exacerbated social isolation.
“Christmas is a time for joy and spreading festive cheer, and I am delighted to take part in the Christmas Call campaign to have a natter with a local person who is alone this Christmas Day.
“I would encourage others to take part, whether just for Christmas or long-term, to support those who are facing time alone, separated from loved ones.”
Chief operations officer Rory Massey at Age UK Portsmouth said:
“Loneliness is an issue at all time of the year but there is a particular emphasis on Christmas as it is a time people spend with their families and friends.
“Even more so this year as so many people have been impacted lockdown. A phone call will mean so much to those who are lonely and we really hope people carry on with the befriending service into 2021 and beyond.”
You can find all the relevant details to sign up before November 25th here: https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/health/portsmouth-people-urged-sign-give-those-facing-christmas-alone-call-christmas-day-3036045