Living with Myself
A look at what it is like to be alone at Christmas in 21st-century Wales. The programme meets Ray, left alone by bereavement, and Sarah, made solitary by a traumatic event.
It's our hidden tragedy: people who live totally alone and who will spend Christmas in isolation, a day like any other. But what are their lives really like?
We experience a day in the life of those who rarely have any human contact. For many, they have little choice. Some, like Derek, find that bereavement in later life brings life challenges which are seemingly insurmountable. Even in earlier years, as for Sarah, a traumatic event means that life can feel solitary even when surrounded by other people.
But there are shafts of sunlight too - volunteers and call centre workers dedicated to helping those in need of company. And for one man, the ballroom offers a route back to happier times.
Presenter: Caryl Parry Jones
Producer: Michael Surcombe.
Last on
Sources of Support and Information
Age Cymru provides free, confidential and expert advice for the over 50s in Wales
Phone: 08000 223 444.
Community Network combats social isolation and loneliness by bringing people together on the phone to form Telephone Communities, to socialise, share experiences and support each other.
Contact the Elderly tackles acute loneliness and isolation among older peopleΒ aged 75 and over by organising free monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for small groups, in the homes of volunteers across England, Scotland and Wales.
Phone: 0800 716 543
Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) provide information and guidance about retirement housing, care homes, and other services that help older people live independently at home.
Phone: 0800 377 7070
Independent Age provides free advice and information including care and support and benefits, plus friendship services to relieve loneliness and isolation.
Phone: 0800 319 6789
Royal Voluntary Service provides personal, practical support to older people to help alleviate the loneliness that can set in when getting out and about is difficult.
Phone: 0845 608 0122 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)
The Silver Line offers information, friendship, advice and protect and support those who are suffering abuse and neglect. Open 24-7 year-round, including Christmas and New Year.
Phone: 0800 470 8090
Broadcast
- Thu 22 Dec 2016 13:15Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Wales