CHRISTMAS is a time where families come together all across the nation to celebrate.

My aim is to get everyone to recognise a serene atmosphere and undoubtedly, no one should be alone.

According to Age UK, more than two million people in England over 75 live alone, and more than one million older people say they go for more than a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.

This horrifying statistic is symbolising everything that is wrong with our town and within our community.

Rather than the new selfish ways of selecting who you want for dinner, leave an open invite for friends, family and extended family.

This coming together makes Christmas worthwhile and memorable for the vulnerable and decreases mental illnesses such as depression.

It’s important to remember loneliness can, and does, affect anyone.

Keep Christmas as a reminder that everyone in this town should have a place to stay and feel the warmth of others.

I feel there is a stigma surrounding loneliness, and older people tend not to ask for help because they have too much pride.

Let’s stop this self-obsession.

CHARLOTTE STOKES Padgate