Age UK Glocs highlight 'crisis in plain sight' with local singer
They're highlighting what's being described as a 'growing crisis' which is 'hiding in plain sight'
By 2030, one in five people will be aged sixty five or over, and Gloucestershire’s ageing population is set to rise faster than the national average.
Charity Age UK Gloucestershire says almost one million older people across the country are left feeling lonely, with many not getting the support they need from overstretched health and social care services.
To highlight this, the charity’s teamed up with local singer-songwriter Ellie Scrivens on her new single, “Photographs in the Biscuit Tin”, which shines a light on loneliness in older generations.
The charity say the collaboration with Ellie aims to raise awareness of the challenges many older people face and encourages listeners to take action in their own communities.
A crisis 'hiding in plain sight'
Jane Shute Head of Fundraising & Communications stated, “Loneliness and social isolation is rife in Gloucestershire largely due to the rurality of our county.
"Older people are particularly vulnerable through unexpected life transition such as becoming widowed or changes in health.
"Through our collaboration with Ellie, we aim to raise awareness of this loneliness crisis hiding in plain sight”.
Ellie’s debut single Photographs in the Biscuit Tin was co-written by Ellie and local businessman Mike Bayliss.
Ellie said: “The idea for the track, and the partnership, came from my time working with Age UK Gloucestershire, where I saw first-hand the impact loneliness can have, especially on older people in our community.
"Alongside the song, we’re releasing a narrative music video.
"It tells the story of a lonely older man and explores how easily loneliness can go unnoticed."
Co-writer Mike Bayliss said: “The title came from a lasting memory of my grandparents, who kept their photographs and holiday memories in an empty biscuit tin.
"The song is reflective, and we hope it not only sparks conversations about loneliness but also invokes memories of family and friends.”
Through this collaboration, Age UK Gloucestershire is urging older people experiencing loneliness to contact their Help Team, and for the county’s wider population to support the charity’s work with donations and community fundraising activities.