An Almondbury widow is urging people to think of the lonely this Christmas as Age UK reveals that more than a third of Kirklees pensioners live alone.

Pensioner Patricia Heasman has been living alone since her husband passed away – saying she even sleeps on the sofa to feel less isolated.

Patricia, 85, said: “I do get lonely – it’s the main thing that’s wrong with me.”

She added: “I sleep on the sofa downstairs because I feel too isolated upstairs.”

Patricia has been visiting companionship centre Sundale House in Bradley for three years.

She said: “Everything about it is warm and lovely.

“It is so important to have somewhere you can go where you fit in and enjoy the company.

“I would miss it greatly if I couldn’t come.”

Sundale House is one of several companionship centres run by Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees.

Claire Schofield, Service Support Officer at Places for People, said: “The centres are open to anyone over 50 subject to availability. The group is happy to arrange a taster day free of charge.

“We try to be flexible at all our centres and to offer a friendly and safe environment for all our clients and we have an overwhelmingly positive response”.

Sundale House is one of the companionship centres run by Age UK as part of their bid to tackle loneliness in the elderly.

Sundale House in Bradley

Anya Hunter, Manager at Sundale House says “Most of our clients live alone and at least half don’t have any family close by.

“Christmas can be a hard time for them.”

Figures show there are 60,000 people in Kirklees over the age of 65, with more than 20,000 living alone.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said: “The festive season is usually a time for celebration with those you love, but for too many older people it can reinforce feelings of loss, loneliness and of life passing them by.

“Contrary to what many people think, loneliness is not a normal part of ageing, and it not only makes life miserable, it can have a serious impact on physical and mental health too.”

Age UK’s Kirklees branch is hosting a fundraising carol concert in Batley on Thursday December 10.

Call 01484 535994 for tickets.