GROWING old on a low income without friends is a bleak business. I was shocked to learn that 2.2 million pensioners still live below the poverty line.

Further, that 1.28 million older people feel lonely and 250,000 have no family or friends.

I am a volunteer for a charity called IndependentAge and I want to make readers aware of the help we offer local people over 65 struggling on low incomes.

We provide a small, additional income for life, financial help in times of crisis and mobility equipment.

As important is the network of volunteers, like myself, who ensure troubles need not be faced alone and friendship is not out of reach.

October 10-16 is IndependentAge Action Week and I would encourage local people to apply for help and by doing so to become part of the IndependentAge family.

The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness and understanding of the issues around loneliness, isolation and loss of independence for older people, with the message that IndependentAge can help.

Unfortunately, we cannot help everyone so we give priority to those who have helped others, either professionally or in the community.

Volunteers would be assured of a warm welcome.

For more information on IndependentAge please call our local representative Mrs Patsy Till on 01430 422307 for a confidential chat or visit www.independentage.org.uk

Mrs Gillian Geekie,

Allerthorpe,

York.

Updated: 09:45 Friday, September 30, 2005