AROUND 60 per cent of people in residential homes are lonely says Age UK.

Now the charity's local arm is redoubling its efforts to raise spirits in our town's care homes.

Heather Crook, operations director of Age UK Bolton said: "People think when someone goes into residential care they have people around them and people to talk to.

"But it's quite the opposite in some cases."

She said: "They might be surrounded by people with advanced dementia or people they don't get along with. You don't choose who you live with.

"It's hard for people who don't get visitors. They can see others get visits and they sit there thinking 'no one visits me'.

"It's really hard."

Age UK Bolton has been working hard to go into care homes and day centres to make sure this group of people does not get lonely. They might lead a group in an arts and crafts session or talk with someone one to one.

This month they visited The Old Vicarage care home in Astley Bridge for a fun workshop on vintage fashion, letting the residents remember the styles they wore when they were younger.

The charity is looking to recruit even more volunteers.

Ms Crook said: "Some of the homes have said if someone can go in on their lunch break for just half an hour with somebody.

"It doesn't need to be a massive commitment."

  • To volunteer with call Ms Crook on 01204 701525 or email heathercrook@ageukbolton.org.uk.