EastEnders Star Jamie Borthwick visits the Chatty Chums Club

Watch the video here, or read more below:

EastEnders and Strictly star, Jamie Borthwick, surprised our Chatty Chums Club with a visit ahead of Christmas, to hear some of their stories and even give them a dance class.

His visit to the Clarendon Royal Community in Gravesend, which is operated by Age UK Kent Rivers, was part of The Sun's Christmas SOS Appeal with Age UK, to shine a light on the loneliness and isolation many older people face at this time of year.

Jamie, 30, said: "It’s incredibly important to keep talking to the older generation. I don’t think many of us realise just how much spending that time with your grandparents or other elderly people makes a difference".

"Just having a little chat really helps change your perspective on life, when you hear all the things they’ve lived through".

I’ve loved being here and getting the chance to speak to everyone.”

Image: The Sun Newspaper

Ask About ALF

Our Trusts & Grants Fundraiser, Tracy Rodwell, had the chance to share our Ask About ALF campaign with The Sun, which is a plea to the public to always remember to check on their older family members, friends and neighbours - to Ask About ALF, and be a part of a future where all older people can Achieve Life's Fullness.

Alan, 81 and living with Parkinsons, is a resident at the Clarendon Royal Community which provides Extra Care living to people aged 50+ said: “The food here is very good. I’m quite gregarious by nature, so it’s nice to have somewhere to come where I can talk to people and not feel lonely.”

"When you lose someone that's it. You've got to start all over again. It's very hard for an older person".

James, 80, started going to the Chatty Chums coffee morning after losing his wife a year ago. He said: “I’ve been on my own since my wife died, and it’s nice to have a bit of company one day a week.

“I’ve never been on my own for the past 50 or so years, but when you lose somebody that’s it. You’ve got to start all over again. It’s hard to get back on the dating scene, as you young ones call it. It’s very hard for an older person.

“Some people are really chatty, while some keep to themselves. I like to try to get people going.”

Later, James joked that being old wasn’t all that bad. Smiling, he said: “Being older, you do get some advantages. “You can get away with murder, within reason!”

"It's called the chasse!"

Jamie spent the afternoon chatting individually with Chatty Chums attendees, listening to their stories, and enjoying a mince pie and a festive beverage together.

Jamie then treated some of the members to a dance lesson, teaching some of the techniques he learned in his recent stint on Strictly Come Dancing - all from the comfort of their own chairs.

Image: The Sun Newspaper

At the end of his visit, Jamie said: “I’ve absolutely loved being here and seeing all the smiles.

“Sitting and listening to their stories has been so fascinating, and I really do think this generation grew up in the best of times.

“We’ve done a bit of dancing and really got into the festive spirit. It’s been brilliant.”

After Jamie left, diner Margaret, 92, shed a few tears, saying: “It’s just been so lovely. These are happy tears.”

Tracy Rodwell, from Age UK Kent Rivers, said: “Jamie was exceptional — his easy-going nature, ability to engage with our clients and listen to their stories made a wonderful atmosphere of warmth and connection.

“It goes without saying that the gift of time — that is, time to listen and time to talk — is the most precious thing for older people.”

Don't leave Alf on the Shelf this Christmas, or in the New Year

Figures from Age UK reveal that one in ten pensioners say they do not have anyone to turn to. In fact, 2.3 million older people will spend the festive period wishing they had just one person to spend time with. 

However, for some older people, Christmas is just another day of feeling alone, and many are isolated or feel lonely all year round.  

That's why, at Age UK Kent Rivers, we urge people to think about older people often, checking with them to make sure they are okay.  The reality is, you might be the only person they speak to all week.

In the last year, Age UK Kent Rivers delivered regular, fresh meals to 820 older people - for some of those, we are the only people they will see.

That's why Age UK Kent Rivers provides a free Befriending service, which in the last year, saw 3,880 Befriender visits for older people who are lonely or isolated.  These are stark numbers, considering this is just in North Kent, and there are still many older people within our reach, who may not know about our services.

"Visits from younger people make you feel younger yourself".

Linda, Chatty Chums member, told The Sun that visits from younger people "make you feel younger yourself".  Jamie Borthwick said that simply spending time with older people can "mean so much" and make all the difference - and added that this is something we are all capable of and can implore ourselves to do.

Image: The Sun Newspaper

So, set a New Year's resolution to reach out - ask after your neighbours, family members and friends.  Say hello to the older person in the shops and ask how they are doing.  Ask About ALF, and be the change we need to see in society.

With credit to The Sun SOS Christmas Appeal with Age UK