Coca-Cola has partnered with ALONE to help battle loneliness by encouraging young people around the country to connect safely with an older person by giving the gift of themselves. Whether it’s your great aunt who you haven’t seen since the last family occasion, a neighbour you know is living alone or someone in the community you see from a distance in the local shop – make an effort to reach out and connect with them safely this Christmas and have a mutually beneficial experience. Did you know just 10 minutes of social interaction boosts brain function? A letter, a call, a quick Facetime, or a simple chat from the front garden wall can help lift the spirits of an older people to feel connected to their community. Coca-Cola and ALONE are asking people to share a video, image or a story about the connections they make with an older person on social media using #CokexALONE throughout the month of December, to inspire others to do the same. To the loneliest among us, just a small pocket of your time is the most priceless gift you can give.

ALONE & Coca-Cola have seven top tips on how best to connect safely with older people this Christmas;

1. Check in with older neighbours, friends, and relatives to ensure they are warm and have enough supplies to keep the house at a comfortable temperature.

2. As the evenings are getting dark so early, give an older person a little check in call to make sure they are okay.

3. Consider checking in on an older person closer to Christmas Day to ensure they have everything they need and if they don’t, link them in with ALONE.

4. Simply say Good Morning or Hello when passing an Older Person: even if they do not reply they will still get a kick out of hearing it! Remember they were you and you will one day be them.

5. At a bus stop? Waiting in a Supermarket queue? Try saying something simple to them; chat about the weather, or give a compliment – lovely hat, your hair looks fab, getting all set for Christmas?

6. Knock on the door of an older neighbour. Tell them who you are, and where you are from. Ask if there is anything they need or would like? “Are you a mince pie fan maybe?”

7. If you see someone having a rest on their walk home, engage them in conversation – “Taking a break?” “Is it a long walk?” “If you would like some help, I am going that way too.”

When interacting with others, remember to follow Government guidelines such as hand hygiene, social distancing, etc.

Mícheál O’Muircheartaigh, Coca-Cola and ALONE Ambassador said: “The past year has been tricky for both older and younger people as we have been trying our best to keep our distance and having fewer social interactions. It is more important than ever that people in communities across Ireland connect with one another. I am delighted to work with Coca-Cola and ALONE on this campaign as it is an issue close to my heart. I know that many older people, myself included may feel isolated at times and I hope that people make the effort and reach out to someone who needs to most this Christmas and beyond. It is a great gift to both give and receive”.

Demi Isaac Oviawe, Coca-Cola and ALONE Ambassador said: “I am honoured to be working with Coca-Cola and ALONE to help encourage young people to give the gift of themselves this Christmas. Using a small piece of your time to connect with an older person can really make a difference. Mícheál and I have had great fun chatting over the past few weeks – he’s even taught me how to make his iconic ham sandwiches. I will be keeping a close eye on #CokexALONE and I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the connections being made across the country, I’m hoping a huge amount of people will join us so we can really make a change”.

For more information visit www.coca-cola.ie/alone