Florrie Elizabeth.

We know our elderly population are vulnerable and yet Age UK found that one million older people still feel lonelier in the cold, festive season. It’s our duty to end this.  Florrie Andrew investigates how we can help. Candles are lit on the side table. A wreath hangs on the door. In the corner of the living room, a small Christmas tree is set up, and there is a hazy reflection of fairy lights twinkling in the steamed-up windows.  A mince pie warms in the oven, ready to tuck into when the Queen’s Speech broadcasts at 3.  It’s a typical Christmas scene; yet, it is missing one key feature. Someone to share it with. Research carried out by Contact the Elderly found that almost half a million older people face spending Christmas Day alone this year. Christmas is usually associated with sharing special moments with loved ones but, for those who are widowed, live far away from family or simply don’t have someone close to them to share it with, the festive season may serve as a reminde

After being accepted for a work placement back in November, on Monday 25th June the time had finally arrived to get the train to Victoria for the start of my placement at Press Association. I was to work in the Features department, which covers everything from food to health to travel. I arrived early for my placement on the first day, where I met Ella Walker, the Acting Features Editor. After a quick tour of the office, I immediately got started on the first commission of my placement, an article for BT Lifestyle on fears of dog flu becoming a pandemic, with a deadline set for before lunchtime. I used multiple sources to research and verify the medical information behind dog flu, and gave the topic context by giving a brief summary of the impact of swine flu. As I researched using specialist websites, I took extra care to make sure that I explained the disease in a clear yet informative way. Once the article was submitted, I headed off to lunch and found the Cardinal Place rooftop