Despite all the warm, socially glowing images we're bombarded with each Christmas, the festive period can be emotionally and practically rough for many people.
'Loneliness can hit hard,' says Brian Sloan, Chief Executive at Age Concern Scotland. 'Older people who live alone, or who have caring responsibilities, are particularly vulnerable.'
It's for people like this – and their friends and family – that Age Scotland has set up a national helpline offering friendship, help and advice. The Silverline Helpline (Tel. 0800 470 8090) will operate every day during the holiday and through into the whole of 2014.
The service runs 24 hours a day and is free, although some mobile phone operators may charge.
Advice is available on, for example, community care, tax, pensions, home safety and repairs, welfare benefits, health services, and local groups and services.
Regular phone calls or emails from a volunteer Silver Line Friend, can also be arranged, as can regular conference calls on topics of interest as part of a Silver Circle. For more information visit www.thesilverline.org.uk.
Photo: Creative Commons, by Chalmers Butterfield