Sir – This Volunteers’ Week it is time to make a difference to the lives of older people in Oxfordshire.

Researchers say loneliness can be as harmful for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and doubles the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. As many as 1,400 over-65s in Oxford are often or always lonely but Independent Age, the older people’s charity, aims to stop this being a daily reality for so many.

We rely on a network of 1,500 volunteers throughout the UK who provide face-to-face volunteer visits, friendship on the telephone and telephone discussion groups for isolated older people.

We are looking for organising volunteers in and around Oxford who can help recruit new volunteers and isolated older people. If you like getting out and about and meeting new people, and you have what it takes to help enlist and support our volunteers and the older people we support, then we would love to hear from you.

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who has a few hours a month to spare. Full training will be provided and you could develop new skills or make use of professional skills in a voluntary capacity.

And of course, it will make a huge difference to the lives of older people in your local area. This Volunteers Week, June 1-7, and beyond, why not help us end loneliness in Oxfordshire?

For more information on these opportunities and other ways to support Independent Age, contact Andy Gudge, Independent Age Area Manager, on 0121 444 3676 or andy.gudge@independentage.org

Andy Gudge, Independent Age, London