LONELINESS is becoming a growing problem in the UK.

Estimates suggest the issue affects nine million Britons, including soaring numbers of older people. The National Office of Statistics found 3.6 million older people say television is their only company and it is believed that 200,000 older people have not had a conversation with friends or family in more than a month.

Meanwhile, 60 percent of people in care homes get no visitors.

But the Saltaire-based Czajka Care Group is working to tackle the problem with a range of initiatives to make sure loneliness does not become a problem for its residents.

These include having no set visiting times, so friends and family can visit whenever it suits them, as well as offering free meals to guests so they can eat and socialise with residents. High-speed WiFi is also available across all Czajka’s homes so residents can stay in touch with friends and family using email, Skype and social media.

The group also runs busy social programmes and is to host regular open days throughout the summer months which local people are invited to attend.

Konrad Czajka, the company’s managing director, said: “The research and statistics surrounding loneliness are startling and it appears to be a growing problem and a sad reality of modern life.

"Although it spans all generations, the elderly are particularly affected. However, there are simple solutions to the issue, and often just having someone to talk to is enough to make a positive difference to someone’s day.

"We have always placed a huge emphasis on making our homes a real home. We also have some fantastic activities coordinators who work tirelessly to run a host of events suitable for every taste – whether its musical entertainment, quizzes, a visit from our pet therapy dog or just a simple trip to the hairdressers, the key is to make our residents feel comfortable and happy."

He added: "Many of our residents contribute to both the outside world and the homes themselves, interviewing new members of staff and helping out on reception for example are both really popular activities. We also promote both independence and resilience, which are a key part of our company ethos.

“The reality is that nobody should feel secluded and this is one of the big benefits for people who move into well run care homes, as we do everything we can to ensure we safeguard our residents from loneliness.”