Simple acts of kindness can have a huge impact on those affected by loneliness this Christmas according to The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
The IACP have said the holidays can be a difficult time for many elderly people, especially those who live alone in rural areas.
It is calling on the public to be aware of anyone close to them that may be affected by loneliness and take steps to try and alleviate those feelings by calling over or inviting them out.