As Age UK launches its 'No one should have no one to turn to' campaign, new YouGov research for the Charity has found that 2.65 million older people feel they have no one to turn to for help and support.

The campaign will feature a powerful new film highlighting some of the challenges that people often have to deal with in later life but which are so much harder to bear if you are facing them alone. These include coping with bereavement, tackling loneliness, getting the social care you need and managing health problems like dementia.

The survey found that over a quarter of older people in the North West of England who felt they had no one to turn to said this left them feeling lonely (29 per cent) or isolated (29 per cent), and over one in five felt depressed (22 per cent)ii.

That’s why Age UK Lancashire is urging people to support its campaign and donate to help ensure that the Charity’s essential services, such as the free advice line, can continue to be there for older people facing the challenges of later life alone.

Age UK Lancashire provide services all year around helping people to keep their independence through access to social activities, help in their own home and support after hospital visits.

The Charity’s new film tells an honest story about how its national Advice Line can help older people who are struggling and features one of Age UK’s trained advisers, there to provide a calm, reassuring voice and expert support.

Almost all (94 per cent) people aged 65 and older, from the North West, who took part in the survey said that being free of financial hardship is important in later lifeiii, which is reflected in the high number of enquiries the local Advice Line received about money and benefits last yeariv.

Supporting Age UK’s latest campaign, Actress Dame Judi Dench, said: “We all know that ageing is inevitable, but it’s heart-breaking to think of older people who feel they have no one they can turn to.

“Age UK is working hard to change this, and by supporting their ‘No one should have no one to turn to’ campaign you can help them to be there for older people who might have no one else.”

Green Goddess Diana Moran, TV personality, journalist and ambassador for Age UK, said: “I visited Age UK’s national Advice line recently and it really is such a lifeline for older people and their families. Many of the calls I heard were from people who just didn’t know where else to go. Luckily, Age UK is there to offer specialist advice on everything from paying for care to claiming benefits and are only a phone call away - every single day of the year.

“Age UK’s work is vital, so I’m encouraging everyone to support this campaign so that older people and their families have someone to turn to when they need it most.”

Teri Stephenson, CEO at Age UK Lancashire said: “We have a rapidly ageing population and it is heart-breaking to think that more than two and a half million older people feel they have no one to go to for help. The fact is that getting older can be really tough and however resilient you are it’s important to know someone will always be there for you, come what may. That’s what we aim to be for older people at Age UK Lancashire and we know it makes a huge difference, especially for those with literally no one else they feel they can ask for help.”

View the link to the film clip here: https://youtu.be/d4cP5Qk68ds

Age UK Lancashire is encouraging people to get behind its campaign and to donate to help ensure that the Charity’s essential services and support can continue to be there for older people and their families. To find out how you can support Age UK Lancashire by donating go to: www.ageuklancs.org.uk or email fundraising@ageuklancs.org.uk

Anyone who needs support or is worried about an older relative or friend can get in touch by calling Age UK Lancashire’s Advice Line on 0300 303 1234.