Vital Age UK phone services for elderly and vulnerable people in West Lindsey to remain open during lockdown

If you are concerned about the impact of the second lockdown on the older communities the charity wants people to know that its Information and Advice, Befriending, and Keep Connected Services are all remaining open.

Chief executive officer Andy Storer said these services were providing a lifeline for many at a time when isolation was proving a real issue for some. And, while he confirmed that the charity’s retail outlets would have to close for the month, he was extremely pleased to be able to run these ‘essential services’ for older people.

Measures taken by Age UK Lindsey to restructure its services in the wake of the first lockdown had ensured the charity was on a more solid footing and able to keep these services running.

He said: “I am sure many older people’s hearts would have sunk after confirmation that a second national lockdown was starting.

"As many as one in three older people were already struggling with anxiety and depression, plus loneliness brought on by the coronavirus pandemic and first lockdown and now that they face a further challenge. It is vital we are available to offer support.”

All conducted by phone, the services offer help and advice to hundreds of people. With support from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation, the charity was able to launch a telephone wellbeing service during the first lockdown and in just its first round of calls, 150 vulnerable people were identified as having ‘fallen between the cracks’ and were receiving little, or no, ‘lockdown’ support.

Stressing the importance of Age UK Lindsey’s support helplines, Andy cited a case taken up by Befriender Guy Hall.

Working on a ‘Keep Connected’ phone line, Guy had contacted a North Lincolnshire woman earlier this year whose husband of 38 years had died after contracting coronavirus.

Andy said: “She was extremely grateful for the support she had received. This is just one example of the difference our services can make.”

For more information visit www.ageuk.org.uk/lindsey.

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