Getting together is the theme of Age Concern Week 2008 – a call for everyone whatever their age to include older people in their activities. This year's focus is on helping older people to get together with friends and family, as well as finding new friends and interests.

Age Concern is fully committed to helping older people to feel more socially included and the local services we offer go a long way towards helping those who would otherwise feel isolated and feel cut off. These include services and events such as befriending and visiting services, phone-a-friend schemes, lunch clubs, day centres, drop-in centres, services helping people to get out of the house, friendship schemes, volunteering opportunities, outings and trips, to name but a few.

As one local Age Concern put it: 'Most of us take the company and help we get from friends and family for granted. But for many older people loneliness and isolation mean that simple tasks can become a struggle, and for disabled and bereaved people the struggle can be even greater.

'Age Concern wants to make sure that everyone realises that we can all contribute in different ways. Something as simple as sharing a meal, helping with shopping, or doing odd jobs for them can make a huge difference to their well-being.'

Throughout Age Concern Week 2008 (October 13 - 19) local Age Concerns across the UK will be organising projects for people of all ages to beat the loneliness and isolation that sadly affects one in ten people over 65 years of age.

People looking for help and information on Age Concern Week, as well as those willing to volunteer some of their time or skills can email us using the subject line "Age Concern Week 2008". Alternatively you can contact your local Age Concern to find out what projects and services they have on offer.