PEOPLE using care services in Halton have more social contact than elsewhere in England.


That is according to a survey from the government’s Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC). For the first time, the poll of more than 70,000 people who use social care services were asked about levels of social contact.


Four care users in every 100 in Halton said they had little social contact with people and feel socially isolated, while the figure across England as a whole was five in 100.


Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age, said: “This is good news for care users in Halton but we can’t celebrate just yet because most older people weren’t included in the poll. Nationally one million people over the age of 65 still say they are often or always lonely."


The charity has launched the book Healthy, Happy, Connected - Support and Advice for Older People Living Alone and to order call 0800 319 6611 or order online at independentage.org.