1 Million Minutes Campaign

National 1 Million minutes campaign is asking individuals to give just 30 minutes of their time to help a lonely person this Christmas. In England, chronic loneliness currently affects over one million elderly people.  

National 1 Million minutes campaign is asking individuals to give just 30 minutes of their time to help a lonely person this Christmas. In England, chronic loneliness currently affects over one million elderly people. 

This campaign will run throughout December and offer a wide range of pledging opportunities from befriending someone on the phone to helping out at lunch clubs and events.

Bluebird Care staff are making pledges to support this worthwhile campaign and raise awareness.  

Prime Minister, Theresa May quotes “I think we haven’t realized over the years the impact loneliness can have on people. So many people are visiting family and friends, and with old people at Christmas, it’s easy to forget those who otherwise would be on their own.”
 

A Merry Christmas is often a distant memory for the elderly

Whilst the nation starts preparing for the festive season, seeing family and buying presents, many older people are dreading the Christmas time. 11 Per cent of elderly people admitted that they feel lonelier on Christmas day than any other day. Over 280,000 elderly people this year will spend Christmas day alone. 

Most elderly people say that they feel sad remembering happier Christmases in the past with their families and loved ones. For people sat on their own in the Christmas season a small act of kindness from someone could make a huge difference to the elderly in their community.
 

Taking time to remember an older person this Christmas

As we get older, our social circles often shrink and we become more likely to spend long periods not speaking to anyone. At Christmas, this becomes a time when there is so much emphasis on catching up and spending time with family and friends. We would urge everyone to take a few minutes to make contact with an elderly person you may know, or who lives in your neighborhood and wish him or her “Merry Christmas”.

1.3 Million People older people spend at least 2 months a year without seeing anyone. This could be your Parents, your Grandparents, your next-door neighbor, and even yourself.

Christmas is one of the hardest times of the year for people who are alone and very few people even know that this problem exists.

Please get involved and support this campaign with us. If you can brighten even one persons day and put a smile on their face then it will be worth it.

Silver Line is the only national, free, and confidential helpline for older people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. They offer information, advice, and friendship through their helpline and services for the elderly. 

For more information about the campaign and to pledge your support visit: www.itv.com/goodmorningbritain/1millionminutes/1-million-minutes