Festive call to help the elderly

Many pensioners are alone at Christmas

Scots are being urged to take time out from partying and shopping over the festive period to check up on their elderly friends and neighbours.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) said it was easy to forget about the pensioners who would not be sharing Christmas with friends and family.

It called on young people to go out of their way to ensure any elderly people they knew were being cared for.

The union's message was echoed by the Scottish Senior Citizens Unity Party (SSCUP).

Rozanne Foyer, secretary to the STUC youth committee, said: "Young people have not always received the best press in 2003.

"But the STUC would like to draw Scotland's attention to the very many young people who do look out for their elderly neighbours and to encourage others to do the same as we approach 2004."

'Spare a moment'

John Swinburne, leader of the SSCUP, said: "It's so easy to forget at this time of year to spare a moment to check up on the elderly, we're all guilty of it.

"But it only takes a few minutes to knock on someone's door and make sure they're ok - helping those whose need it is what Christmas is all about."

Doreen Kean, of the Scottish Pensioners Forum, said older people were particularly vulnerable at this time of year when home help and postal services were not around.

She urged people to "call in to older friends and neighbours and bring them a bit of Christmas cheer."