"It makes me happy if I am here on my own and I don't see anybody. Even the phone doesn't go. I feel lonely. If I see Nikki, it picks me up. It makes me better. I have got a friend now." Leonard aged 95.

Sadly, many of us experience feelings of loneliness at some points in our lives. Its a personal and painful time which can make a person feel completely hopeless.

Unfortunately, its a sad realisation that social isolation and loneliness is the norm for many older people and not just a result of the holiday season or Covid 19.

For over 40 years, six local charities throughout Wales have worked tirelessly to reach out to thousands of vulnerable and isolated older people living in our local communities. These local independent charities form the social enterprise known as Age Connects Wales. Together these member organisations support around 45,000 older people within 11 of the 22 local authority areas in Wales.

If you can make a much-needed donation to support our work, wed be hugely grateful. Thank you.