“Each day is too long, I try very hard to set myself tasks, so that I can get through the day. The main problem is loneliness - you just have to find a way to get through it, it can be very hard at times.”

Eunice has been attending a WRVS lunch club every week for about five years, it gives her a chance to get out and meet people in the same situation as herself. Eunice has two children, one lives 15 miles away and the other over 200 miles away. Her daughter takes her to the supermarket to shop each week on a Saturday, apart from these visits she does not get out very much.

“A lot of people my age are just glad when Christmas is all over. I am lucky, I spend Christmas Day with my daughter… the rest of the time I am in my home alone. I know of many people who have no contact with anyone at all. It can be really hard sometimes, there’s probably no solution to the the loneliness we feel, everyone is so busy working.

“I have to think of things to do to get through the day, I want to remain independent and active. Ideally, I would just like more company with people of my own age, WRVS' lunch club has been really good, I enjoy meeting the regulars and having a game of dominoes. The best thing about the club is that WRVS pick you up and drop you home, everything depends on them doing that and they take you out for a Christmas dinner. What is needed is a revival of the community spirit. More interaction between folk, whether they be friends or neighbours. Old people don’t want constant interaction, but just something to break their day up without too much commitment. This would alleviate much of the loneliness felt each day, just to know there was someone you could go to and talk to.”

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