Licensed Trade Charity calls on publicans to support the lonely this Christmas

The call comes after the Royal Voluntary Service warned of the “devastating impact” societal changes are having on older people during the festive season. It said that the number of over 75s alone on Christmas Day this year is predicted to hit half a million - a 7% increase on 2013.

Liz Gaffer, director of marketing and charity services at the LTC, said: “Licensees and their pubs already provide a huge community service, offering friendship and companionship to those living within their communities. However, for those with mobility issues or illness we as a society need to do more.

“If every licensee remembered a retired colleague or elderly customer they hadn’t seen for some time, we believe it could be a happier Christmas for many more people.”

Befriending programme​

The LTC launched a Telephone Befriending Programme, funded by the Worshipful Company of Innholders, earlier this year to help combat loneliness among elderly former licensees by providing a phone call lasting up to one hour each week.

It was introduced following research that revealed almost 4,500 people who have worked in the licensed drinks trade have identified themselves as “socially isolated”.

The scheme is currently befriending 48 ex-licensees.