“I don’t know what I would do without them - they have been a lifeline.”

Ann Milford cannot speak highly enough of the volunteers who visit her at home, keeping her company and helping to make sure she is aware of any benefits to which she may be entitled.

The 77-year-old is one of a number of pensioners benefiting from a special service offering both companionship and advice to older people .

She is visited by volunteers from Independent Age, a charity which provides friendship, comfort and security for as long as it is needed, as well as helping with advice on social care and welfare benefits.

“I find it really helpful, and look forward to them coming,” she says.”Being an active person, it was hard when I came to Bradford and did not know anyone. I could not find any local groups to go along to.”

The charity’s befriending service is a lifeline to many people. It helps them retain their independence, yet not live in isolation.

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Across the UK 3.8million older people live alone, with five million saying that the TV is their main form of company. More than 500,000 people aged over 65 spend Christmas alone.

“It is basically a friendly chat and maybe a cup of tea. We start off with about an hour, but can be longer of a good relationship develops between the individual and volunteer,” says Jacoba Oldham, regional manager with Independent Age.

“Older people may have mobility issues, they may lose partners and friends, and feel increasingly isolated.”

She adds: “So long as people are healthy it enables them to stay in their own home. It is important as they may have lived there for many years and have memories and history in the house. It is better to live there than to move into a strange environment.”

“Older people tell us it is important to remain as independent as possible and want to be able to live their lives as happily as possible.”

Across the country the charity has 1500 volunteers visiting around 6,000 people and 20 in West Yorkshire befriending around 90 people.

“Some people will want less frequent visits - it depends upon their needs. They vary from weekly to monthly. We ask for a commitment of at least a year, and some of our best long-term matchings involve people who have been meeting for many years. They have become more than a befriender, they have become a friend.”

Independent Age also operates a phone buddy service, with telephone befrienders making contact with people over the phone.

Retired shop manager Ann, who lives in Holme Wood, moved to Bradford from Shropshire five years ago to be close to her daughter.

“My son, who was my carer, collapsed and died. I tried to cope on my own but there was no way I could. I found out about Independent Age through a friend and they visited me regularly at my home in Shropshire.”

When she moved to Bradford this continued, with a volunteer making weekly visits. Ann is presently waiting for a new befriender, after that volunteer left.

“I see my daughter but she works and has a family and is kept busy. The befriending service match you up with a volunteer. They come along and we have a cup of tea and a good chat.”

The charity also send out monthly reports clearly explaining any new measures introduced by the Government or other agencies, which could benefit older people. “If you don’t understand something there is also a free number you can call,” says Ann.

In 2012 Independent Age launched its ‘ABC’ - advice, befriending and campaigning - strategy, and is working towards its goal of becoming a well-known and dynamic voice for older people, their families and carers.

Up to 5.5 billion of means-tested benefits for older people go unclaimed every year. Around 1.6million people who are eligible for pension credit are not claiming.

The charity produces a series of free handbooks advising on issues affecting people in later life. “It includes help at home, health and choosing care homes,” says Jacoba. “We have leaflets in doctors’ surgeries, libraries and pharmacies.”

Volunteers gain much satisfaction from their roles. “They get chance to learn about the lives of older people, about how they used to live.”

Comments from older people who have been helped make it all worthwhile. “It is wonderfully rewarding - we have had many wonderful responses,” says Jacoba.

Independent Age: 0800 319 6789; independentage.org/about-us