Loneliness kills but an Army of Kindness offers hope this Christmas – how YOU can help

The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) and the Express have launched a Christmas appeal to tackle loneliness by raising £200,000. The charity plans to expand its community clubs from 162 to 250 over the next year, offering more older and vulnerable people regular companionship and support.

Chronic loneliness affects 3.8 million people, and nine in ten RVS club attendees are over 60; many live alone or have long-term health conditions. The article describes how a club in Lancing, West Sussex, provides meals and a welcoming social space, including for 80-year-old Raymond Knight, who began attending after his wife died.