Methodist Homes (MHA)

MHA is a national older person’s charity, providing community-based services, retirement living communities and care homes for more than 17,000 residents and members across England, Scotland and Wales. It aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among older people by connecting them in communities that care.

MHA’s Live at Home schemes support people like Annie, whose story can be heard in the appeal, helping alleviate their loneliness and isolation. Annie is one of over 10,000 older people in 57 locations across the country supported through MHA’s Live at Home. Pictured is Annie with volunteer befriender Irfaan Merali, one of 2,600 volunteers who support the schemes.

All the schemes are there for people over 60 who live independently in their own home. They provide older people with opportunities to connect with their local communities through a range of social and well-being activities, from days out through to lunch clubs and exercise classes.

Member Alan Pressley said: “Live at Home keeps us busy. Without it, we would be lonely at home and probably not even here. The shopping trip is not just about shopping; it’s meeting friends when you go. Our daughter could do our shopping online for us but that’s not the point. It’s the social aspect of being with people.”