BORDERS MSP Christine Grahame has given her backing to a campaign that encourages people to give support to their older friends, neighbours and relatives over the festive period.

The drive, run by Age Scotland, hopes to tackle loneliness at the country and the Scottish Government has also pledged to develop a national strategy, which could be the first such plan anywhere in the world.

The member for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale said: “We can all be good neighbours by reaching out to people in our communities, older friends or relatives, and ensure that no one has no one at this time.”

Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland added: "It is often life events such as bereavement, ill health and complex long term health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis – all more common in later life – that give rise to feelings of loneliness and which if left unaddressed can cause long-term misery.

"As part of our campaign, we’re asking people to check on older neighbours and perhaps even see if they need a helping hand. Small gestures, like going round for a cuppa, or clearing paths of snow or ice and showing you are concerned, can provide comfort and aid to older people.

"Our national Freephone telephone helpline – 0800 12 44 222 – available for older people, their families and carers, offers friendship and contact as well as information and advice. 

"We’d like to encourage people to get in touch, particularly over the winter months, and have a chat with our team of friendly advisers."