Stephen McPartland, MP for Stevenage, was the guest of honour at charity Abbeyfield’s regional launch of their annual Christmas campaign, Companionship At Christmas last Friday at a supported house in Stevenage for older people.   The visit was to find out more about Abbeyfield and its attempt to help combat the increasing trend in festive isolation. Abbeyfield is inviting members of local communities with elderly neighbours living alone, family members in need of respite support and those who plan to spend the Christmas period alone to contact them.

Stephen said, "Christmas is a wonderful time of year with many families getting together to share the celebrations, but we must take a moment to remember those who will be alone this Christmas. I launched the local Companionship at Christmas campaign at Abbeyfields in Stevenage and had thge opportunity to meet many of the residents and volunteers who share their time. Let us all have a great Christmas and take a moment or two for a neighbour that may be having Christmas alone."

Companionship At Christmas was created to provide an alternative to spending the celebratory period alone. They will be offering free overnight stays and delicious Christmas lunches over the festive season (24th December – 4th January) in over 100 Abbeyfield sheltered houses and care homes across the country.

The Charity will take enquiries via their website www.abbeyfield.com or via their dedicated telephone number 0845 052 3553 up until the 18th December.