Halloween tips from Age Cymru

Halloween can be great fun, especially for children out and about trick-or-treating in their costumes. However, for some people it can be a worry, particularly if they’re home alone and concerned about callers after dark.

No one should feel scared or anxious in their own home, so we’ve put together some handy tips to help everyone enjoy the celebrations.

If you’re at home

• If you feel uneasy, invite a friend or relative round for the evening.
• If you’d rather not have trick-or-treaters calling, put a note in your window letting them know.
• Use your door chain and check who’s calling before you open the door. Take extra care if there’s more than one person on your doorstep.
• If you’d rather not answer at all, leaving a bowl of sweets outside can be enough to keep everyone happy.
• Remember, if you’re not sure, it’s fine not to answer.

If you’re out trick-or-treating

• Look for a pumpkin or decoration. It’s the sign that callers are welcome.
• If there isn’t one, or there’s a note in the window, it’s perhaps best not to knock.
• Try to keep the noise down later in the evening, and don’t ring a doorbell repeatedly.
• If no one answers, move on to another house.

Look out for each other

Halloween can be a lovely way to get to know your neighbours. Keep an eye out for older family members, friends and neighbours who may be on their own. If you’re having a get-together, why not invite an older neighbour along? A friendly knock and an invitation can make a real difference as the darker evenings draw in.