Age UK responds to Jeremy Hunt's call to end loneliness of the elderly

"Loneliness and isolation blight the lives of far too many older people and there's a lot we can do as friends, neighbours and relatives to help. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference and Age UK encourages everyone to be as supportive as they can be of the older people around them, in their own families and in the local community too. Families can't do it all and what is needed is stronger local support for isolated older people. "

"Government has a big responsibility too, yet funding for local charities like local Age UKs to support lonely older people has been severely hit over the last five years as a consequence of the cuts to council budgets. In addition, these same cuts have shredded social care and left many more older people to struggle on alone."

" The Budget on July 8th and Spending Review later this year are great opportunities for the Government to demonstrate it is as good as its word when it comes to encouraging more local support for isolated and lonely older people."