WEST DORSET has been ranked as one of the top 10 loneliest places in the UK, figures have revealed.

The research was conducted by national charity Friends of the Elderly (FotE) and figures are ranked by the highest proportion of households that have a lonely person over 60 years of age.

And one in every five households in West Dorset – which equates to more than 9,000 homes – has a lonely person over 60, the research shows.

In total, there are 12,894 elderly residents over the age of 60 who feel lonely in West Dorset.

The Rev Philip Ringer, vice-chairman of Churches Together in Bridport, said: “We are aware of a good number of people who live alone in West Dorset but who have access to a wide range of friendships and support schemes.

“Some people choose to live quite a lonely existence for a number of reasons – not everybody is gregarious – but I would hate to think of people who live alone and feel they have a lack of community support.

“Bridport and West Dorset has good community support – an example is the Christmas lunch at the Bridport United Church hall between noon and 3pm.

There is also the regular Tea and Chat event in Bridport every third Sunday of the month organised by Churches Together in Bridport and District.”

Friends of the Elderly’s new research report, which revealed the figures, is entitled ‘The Future of Loneliness: Facing the challenge of loneliness for older people in the UK, 2014 to 2030’.

The charity also launched their ‘Be a Friend’ campaign back in August in response to the research report.

The campaign, backed by Prime Minister David Cameron, encourages people across the country to get to know their older neighbours and help combat loneliness.

Peter Lindsley, head of advice and information at Age UK Dorchester, said: “Many elderly people are dreading the thought of a cold, lonely Christmas, with significant numbers spending it on their own.

“At Christmas, older people are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, with Age UK research showing that in rural West Dorset, 27.5 per cent of the population are aged 65 and over, and that the percentage of single person’s households who are aged 65 and over is 45.7 per cent.

“It’s important to let people know that they’re not alone and that there are people out there for them, if needed.”

For more visit fote.org.uk

Transport an obstacle

TRANSPORT proves an obstacle for many lonely people throughout West Dorset, said Sue Herman, pictured, community champion for the Partnership for Older People Programme (POPP) for Bridport and Lyme Regis.

Dorset POPP is primarily a partnership between Dorset County Council, Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, the Third Sector and older people.

One of POPP’s key desired outcomes is to ensure that older people in communities are socially integrated and not isolated.

Sue added: “With loneliness, one problem is transport for older people, especially in a rural area like West Dorset.

“For example, several older people I know want to go to evening winter talks, films or a meal with friends in Dorchester and Bridport – but because of the recent bus cuts they can’t make it home again afterwards.

“Also the good Neighbours Scheme, which together with Hopeful Hampers is run under the support of Pathways to Care, provide transport support to hospitals across the south west, and are making 10 to 12 hospital trips a week at the moment and are covering a lot of distance. “They have 40 volunteers but could always do with more.

“There are lots of things people can do to help loneliness but without the relevant transport it proves a problem for many.

“Some families are a long way away and loneliness is one of the many problems we face.”

Range of events to attend

FOR those who may be feeling lonely, there are a range of regular events throughout West Dorset to take part in.

  • There is a new Dial a Friend service in Bettiscombe and Marshwood – and an afternoon tea at Bettiscombe village hall at 2.30pm on January 5, 2015.
  • The Royal Voluntary Service is looking to start a befriending service in Bridport and Lyme Regis, but needs volunteers.
  •  There is a fortnightly tea and Chat at Charmouth Central, run by the befriending co-ordinator.
  • People can also visit the Chancery House Day Centre in Bridport to enjoy coffee, lunch and company.

Festive plans to make elderly feel less lonely

PREPARATIONS are now underway to help elderly people across West Dorset feel less isolated over the festive season.

Older people’s housing and care charity, The Abbeyfield Society, has launched its fifth Coping at Christmas campaign.

And Abbeyfield House in Beaminster and Abbeyfield Society in Lyme Regis will be throwing open their doors on Christmas day for people to join in their Christmas meal.

Kate Moulsdale, senior house manager at Beaminster's Abbeyfield House, said: “There is nothing worse than feeling alone at Christmas; loneliness is a big problem throughout the year especially in a rural community – but it really hits home during the festive season.

“Christmas is a time when people talk about family and getting together, and this can leave others feeling isolated.

“I think a scheme like this really is a lifeline to people; even if people open their doors for just one day so that people can be around others during this special time of year it will really be appreciated.

“For the Christmas meal at Abbeyfield Beaminster, anyone interested does need to book beforehand and make their own way to us, but it means they will not be alone.”

Residents at Beaminster's Abbeyfield House have also been helping decorate a special themed tree for the Bridport Tree Festival backing the Cope at Christmas campaign.

There will also be a memory music group on December 23 hosted by Hilary Doggo from charity Age UK – any anyone is welcome.

For more call the Coping at Christmas number on 01727 734066, call Beaminster’s Abbeyfield House on 01308 863210 or the Abbeyfield Society in Lyme on 01297 443783.

Volunteer Centre Dorset are holding their annual Company at Christmas campaign, in which they put on a Christmas Day party, including dinner, for older people in the area so they do not have to spend the day alone.

The centre provides free transport to and from Damers restaurant in Dorset County Hospital where the festivities take place.

Call Marie on 01305 269214.

HOW THE FIGURES COMPARE

Top ten loneliest places in the UK – ranked by highest proportion of households containing a lonely 60+

Figure in brackets are one in every certain number of households that contains a lonely person aged 60+

Christchurch (4.68)

West Somerset (4.74) 

Rother (4.76)

North Norfolk (4.78)

East Devon (4.87)

East Dorset (4.91)

Tendring (5.08)

West Dorset (5.12)

Arun (5.20)

East Lindsey (5.28)