Loneliness and isolation are particular issues at Christmas. The NHS says that, as Christmas is associated with friends and family, most of us will have lots of friends and family calling with us over the festive period, but it can be difficult for those on their own without a friend in the world for one reason or another.

Christmas can be a particularly lonely time for older people living alone or socially isolated. There are nearly 11 million people aged 65 and over in the UK and they are twice as likely to spend Christmas alone than younger people. WRVS say the loneliness felt on Christmas Day is often the worst.

So we should all make an effort to make their Christmas a little brighter!