AGE UK in Nantwich is reaching out to the community and asking for volunteers as part of their ‘No one should have no one at Christmas’ campaign.

Age UK Swine Market is hoping to attract new volunteers who can spare a few hours a week and want to meet new people, either behind the scenes or on the shop floor.

As well as helping the charity generate much-needed funds for its work supporting older people, the hope is to reach out to people seeking new challenges and companionship.

In a recent survey, one third of Age UK volunteers said they volunteered in a shop because they enjoyed socialising and meeting new people.

Stewart Cox, who has been volunteering for 16 months, said: “It’s got me back into meeting new people. Every day is a good moment!

“I didn’t realise how lonely people were, especially the older people that come into the shop. I get a chair and put it next to the till and have a chat. I think that’s what Age UK is all about”.

New research from Age UK reveals that almost one million people aged 60+ feel lonelier at Christmas time, with those who are single, separated or widowed feeling it the most.

Steve Wooldridge, head of retail operations at Age UK, said: “We are very proud that volunteering in our shops provides people with a wonderful circle of support and friendship which helps tackle loneliness.

“Not only are volunteers the lifeblood of our shops, helping us to raise much needed funds to provide vital support to older people, they themselves also draw a huge amount of support and companionship from their work and colleagues.”

For more information about volunteering with the Age UK shop in Swine Market, Nantwich, please call manager Jayne Tunstall or assistant manager Lee Morgan on 01270 623394, or visit ageuk.org.uk/get-involved.