THERE is often a big push for community spirit over the festive period, be it cooking a hot meal for neighbours or inviting an elderly relative round for a mince pie.

However, this need for communities and families alike to look out for our own is not just limited to Christmas. Yes, loneliness may be exacerbated during this time, but loneliness and isolation is crippling all year round for many older people.

Sadly community spirit is often lost amongst digital communication and busy working lives. Communities are also struggling with closures of a local post office, bank, or pubs pub.

This does not just impact on the practicalities of life - more significantly it impacts vulnerable people and reduces opportunities for identifying someone who may need support.

Alongside these closures are significant reductions in health and care services, as well as major transport issues.

Social networks are breaking down with a consequent increase in social isolation and loneliness.

There are various social groups and activities available within our area but accessing them can be the main issue for many.

If you are part of a community group, try reaching out to those that you know do not have any transport or whom you rarely see out in the village.

As a community, it would make such a difference if each and every one of us took some responsibility for looking out for our neighbours – a simple gesture such as offering to take them to the local coffee morning or village market could be that one step forward that an older person needs to feel included again.

You might just make their day.