AS THE Coronavirus lockdown continues, Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale has teamed up with Bro Radio to raise awareness of elderly people who are suffering from loneliness.

The radio station has launched the “We’ll Meet Again” campaign for listeners to get in touch and share a message for an older person in their lives that they are currently unable to be with due to the virus restrictions.

These touching messages will be played out by the station for the recipients to hear. However, the charity is also keen to stress that not all older people are fortunate enough to have family and friends and that’s why the work of Age Connects is so vital, even more so now.

Nona Hexter, who runs the charity’s Senior Health Shop on Holton Road in Barry said: “For so many years we have been here for older people to pop in for information, advice and have a cuppa and chat with their friends and us too.

"It is tough not being able to be there in person for all of the vulnerable older people that we know but staff and volunteers are ensuring we are still here at the end of the phone, helping with shopping and in any way we can within safety guidelines.”

Karen Steele from Age Connects said: “In the first seven weeks of lockdown, we received 3,200 incoming calls for information, advice and support and in almost all cases we have managed to provide support or signpost people onwards."

The charity is urging the general public and local businesses to “help us help” to keep older people safe, well and reassured at this difficult time by making a donation to support its work at grass roots level where it is making a vital difference.

A donation of just £5 will help the charity make reassuring telephone calls. £10 will help support staff and volunteers get shopping for vulnerable older people.

If you are an older person needing support at this time, or know of someone who does, call: 07507 416 875.

To make a donation, visit ageconnectscardiff.org.uk or call Karen on 02920 683 604 or 07584 346 015.