LONELINESS will be tackled this Christmas by an initiative looking to give presents to elderly people who might not have company.

Home Instead Central Hampshire has launched a gift-giving campaign, Be a Santa to a Senior, for older people who may not receive a present or who may be apart from family and friends this Christmas.

The team will be at Hillier Garden Centre, near Romsey, on December 4 from 5pm to 8pm, collecting gifts to be distributed in the area.

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(Image: Home Instead) Melissa Burnett, owner and general manager of Home Instead Central Hampshire said: “The local community has been hugely supportive in past years when we have collected presents.

“Feelings of isolation and loneliness can certainly be heightened during the festive period and it’s lovely to be able to reach out to people and let them know that we are thinking of them at this time.

“It’s fantastic to be partnering with both Matilda Place and Danemark Court in Winchester this year and we are looking forward to having many gifts to distribute.

“We know how community-spirited local people are and are looking forward to receiving many donations both through our Amazon wish list and on December 4 at the Hillier Garden Centre.

"Our thanks go to them for allowing us to bring the campaign to their store.”

The Garden Centre is also offering 20 per cent off all products in their shop including their Christmas trees.

This year Home Instead partnered with assisted living residence Matilda Place and Danemark Court, who will share the gifts with their residents.

Home Instead has been running Be a Santa to a Senior for twelve years nationally and in that time has collected and distributed thousands of gifts.

For more information, please contact the team at Home Instead Central Hampshire on 01962 736681 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/central-hampshire/