One in five older people in the UK admits to feelings of loneliness – and this only intensifies at Christmas. What is causing this crisis and how can we combat the sense of isolation?

Three women share their stories of festive singing

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Our round-up of the funny, fascinating and unusual stories this fortnight

Our straight-talking, no-nonsense agony aunt Anne Robinson tackles the problems troubling you

I’d lost my hubby and the kids had lost their dad. But I knew what to do next…