Finchley and Golders Green MP, Mike Freer, visited several care homes in his constituency to celebrate Silver Sunday week.

Silver Sunday, which started off as a local campaign is now a national day to help tackle loneliness and isolation amongst the older generation.

Due to the pandemic, Mike was unable to make his annual visit to care homes in 2020, however, this week, he has taken advantage of the end of restrictions and visited three.

At the Otto Schiff Care Home in Golders Green, he enjoyed chatting to residents over afternoon tea.

He met 101-year-old, Alice Frank, who told him that she had worked as a secretary for Otto Schiff MBE in 1936, and later came to live at the care home named after her former employer.

Otto Schiff MBE came to the UK in 1896 from Germany and aided refugees for many years.

Most famously, he persuaded the British Government to allow thousands more refugees to escape Nazi Germany and settle in the UK, arranging for the community to sponsor them.

Mike Freer MP calling out Bingo.

Mike Freer MP calling out Bingo.

This week, Mike visited Magnolia Court & Lansdowne care homes where he had the privilege of calling out the bingo numbers.

Commenting on the visits, Mike said, “I had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon visiting care homes in the constituency this week.

“It was fantastic to meet and chat with residents – though I have to say I didn’t expect to have the honour of calling out the bingo numbers at Magnolia Court!”

“This year has been especially difficult because of the pandemic, where many have been even more isolated from their loved ones.

“Having experienced my own mother living in residential care, I wholeheartedly support Silver Sunday and the way in which it raises awareness of this important issue.”