Being lonely at Christmas is an unfortunate reality for many people.

Thankfully, one London pub has come up with a novel way to unite people who may be spending the festive season alone. The Alexandra in south-west London has announced that they will give anyone who is on their own a free Christmas dinner and a pint. https://twitter.com/TheAlexSW19/status/806505533444329472 The tweet has been shared almost 2,000 times and many are reaching out to show their support and even offering to donate money to cover the costs. https://twitter.com/DaveMJacobs/status/806573433303814144 https://twitter.com/jacqui703/status/806577136412848128 https://twitter.com/daysofspeed/status/806626163015696384 https://twitter.com/TraceyBVoice/status/806894791556468737 https://twitter.com/skynewssarah/status/807260622253604864 It’s a simple gesture that could help thousands of people affected by loneliness. Loneliness in Ireland We recently partnered with ALONE to raise awareness of the devastating effects of loneliness on older people. Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE revealed: “As an organisation that works with older people, we interact first hand with the effects of loneliness every day. I don’t think that people are aware just how devastating loneliness can be for your general health. Not only can loneliness lead to depression, but it is also a predictor for dementia, cardiovascular disease and decreased immune system responsivity. Loneliness is twice as dangerous to the health of an older person as obesity, and is as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” In Ireland, one third of older people live alone. ALONE’s Befriending Services provides companionship to over 500 older people who are socially isolated through a weekly volunteer visit as well as a range of social events. ALONE are continually developing the service to ensure that all older people who require it will have access to a quality assured befriending service.