Campaigning To Help Older People Stay Warm In Merton

Winter Warmth and Wellbeing programme set for launch

Age UK Merton is launching its Winter Warmth and Wellbeing programme to help keep older people safe, warm and well this winter.

It aims to improve later life for everyone through their information and advice, campaigns and a wide range of services for people aged 50+, and their carers.

This winter 24,000 older people may not survive the cold weather – that's 200 deaths a day in England and Wales that could be prevented. With this in mind, Age UK Merton wants to ensure older people are prepared for the months ahead. 

Charmaine Sainsbury, Chief Executive, said: "Winter can be a distressing time for many older people, so it's vital we do all we can to help. Our Winter Warmth and Wellbeing Programme is the perfect opportunity for people to find out what they can do to beat the cold & to access practical support."

This year their programme will provide:

  • Information about health risks of cold weather and top tips to staying healthy and warm.
  • talks to older people's groups and carers about staying safe and warm this winter.
  • free home assessment visits to check draught insulation, heating systems, smoke alarms and security
  • information and advice about keeping energy costs down. Appointments can be made for those who need help with benefit checks to ensure they have all the support they are entitled to.

As well as all this their Love Later Life Programme offers a wide range of social activities helping everyone to stay healthy and active.

Their launch will take place at 1pm on Thursday December 12 at their Centre in Mitcham with a talk by their Handyperson on staying safe and warm giving people an opportunity to sign up for a free home visit assessment. 

Charmaine Sainsbury, CEO of Age UK Merton and Andrew Browning, Age UK Merton Handyperson, are pictured taking delivery of 10 bags of winter warmth supplies donated by Jay Patel (centre), Director of Bluebird Care to help older people likely to be affected by the cold this winter.

For more information about the programme go along to the launch or drop in at Age UK Merton, 277 London Rd, Mitcham, CR4 3NT, call 020 8648 5792, email info@ageukmerton.org.uk or visit their website www.ageukmerton.org.uk.

December 5, 2013