A LOCALcare home manager is urging people not to suffer in silence and to take advantage of local care and support opportunities this Christmas.

Koren Koren Evans-Slade, who oversees the provision of residential and nursing care at Mill House care home, in Chipping Campden, highlights the many opportunities open to people over Christmas, including short stay respite care, day centres and community groups, all of which allow people who may not have friends or family around to spend Christmas in the company of others.

"Christmas can be a very isolating time for people living alone and with the added issue of bad weather, it is easy to become anxious," she said.

Care homes, churches and day centres are just some of the places that offer opportunities to meet people in a similar situation, take part in activities and get support over the busy festive period.

"Whatever their situation, I would urge people not to suffer in silence and to take advantage of local opportunities and short term support."