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Lonely pensioners to get cheap holidays in bid by Salford housing provider to tackle social isolation

By Tim Hyde

Two generous Salford housing providers have joined together to make cheap holidays available for lonely and vulnerable pensioners to tackle social isolation.

Salford-based Salix Homes and City West Housing Trust have teamed up to offer elderly people experiencing loneliness and isolation subsidised breaks at the Salfordian Hotel in Southport.

They have pledged to tackle social isolation amongst the elderly people in Salford and are urging residents to take advantage of the low-cost holidays on offer.

Sue Sutton, a Salix homes spokesperson, said: “For the past 50 years the hotel has offered a lifeline to our most vulnerable residents and their families and we are proud to support it.

“There are a lot of lonely, older people in Salford who perhaps feel they cannot go on holiday because they don’t have anyone to go with. 

“Loneliness and social isolation in older people can have a severe impact on their health and quality of life which is why we have teamed up with City West to offer subsidised breaks to people who are on their own.

“The winter months in particular can be a very lonely time and we want to ensure older people who are alone can enjoy a seaside getaway, meet other people and improve their wellbeing.”

Elderly people that take up this opportunity will enjoy staying at Salfordian, a specialised hotel built by Salford Council in 1963 to provide a ‘home from home’ for residents.

The housing providers are hosting Single Travellers Week from November 6 to 13 aimed at elderly and vulnerable people who are on their own to provide a welcome break and some much-needed company.

Matt Jones, Assistant Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods at City West Housing Trust, said: “We know that feeling lonely and isolated is an issue for some of our older customers. This is something we’re tackling at City West in a number of ways including through our support of subsidised holidays at the Salfordian.

“The Salfordian is making a really positive difference to older people’s lives and it’s great to see the hotel and the service it provides going from strength to strength.”

Image courtesy of Borya via Flickr, with thanks.

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