'Some people don't see others from dawn till dusk'

Chris Elshabba is one of the people who enjoys regular meet-ups

"Some people don't see others from dawn till dusk," said Chris Elshabba, 76, who is part of the Hawks 50 Plus, a group in Brighton which meets regularly to avoid social isolation.

With the nights drawing in, temperatures plummeting and Christmas on the horizon, for some people it can be a time of year when feelings of loneliness and isolation are exacerbated.

The charity Gladrags said that 40% of people aged over 65 in Brighton & Hove lived with loneliness all or most of the time.

The service is trying to combat that with its Memories Matter appeal this Christmas, where people come together with vintage clothes, music and storytelling.

"It's a way of meeting other people, a way of conversing," said Mrs Elshabba, from Whitehawk, who is one of the founders of the Hawks over 50s group.

Gladrags also provides sessions with the group such as its festive Memories Matter event, which was held on Wednesday.

Mrs Elshabba added: "We're even opening on Christmas Eve for two hours for a mince pie and cup of tea.

"Just for those people who won't see anybody else. That's what everybody needs."

Eileen McLauchlan, 77, said: "Years ago when my mum was younger there was nothing like this. Everyone's laughing, it's a lovely place to come."

People enjoying the event on Wednesday

The project helps older residents in Brighton & Hove "rediscover cherished memories and connect, sparking laughter, warmth, and a sense of belonging during what can be the loneliest time of year".

Many of the residents who attended the session lived in areas of the city such as Whitehawk, Moulsecoomb and Coldean, which the charity said were among the most deprived 20% in England.

Marilyn Fuller, a volunteer at Gladrags, said: "I love to see the smile it brings to people's faces.

"It starts with 'I remember when…' and their eyes start twinkling. Some haven't stepped out of their house all week, and suddenly, they're laughing, connecting, remembering. It warms me."

So far, the charity's fundraiser has reached £185 of its £3,000 target.