Age UK Bath and North East Somerset has launched its Winter Warmth service across the Bath area.
This free service is available until March and offers help during the colder weather with shopping, clearing snow/ice, dog walking, advice on keeping warm, or even help with claiming benefits.
Karen John from Age UK B&NES said: “We have a team of volunteers available to visit local, older people and provide practical support. Sometimes families may want someone to call in and check on their relatives during severe weather, just to see that they are ok.
“We also know that many older people worry that they cannot afford to turn up the heating. We can help you check that you’re getting the benefits you’re entitled to and also look at ways of helping you keep yourself and your home warm.”
The campaign is part of a national Age UK Spread the Warmth campaign. Every year thousands of older people become seriously ill or die as a result of cold weather – that’s 200 deaths a day in the UK that could be prevented.
“As we get older it is harder for our bodies to detect how cold it is, and the longer someone is exposed to the cold, the more at risk they are of the above effects,” explained Karen.
Age UK B&NES is highlighting the following messages to encourage older people to protect their health:
- Keep living room at 70 degrees F (21C)
- Keep bedroom at 65 degrees F (18C)
- Keep your bedroom window closed at night when the weather is cold
If you would like to find out more about the service, or would like a copy of the free Winter Wrapped Up guide – which includes a room thermometer – call into the Age UK B&NES office at Kingsmead Square in Bath or 01225 462641 or 01225 466135, Monday – Friday.
You can also call the AGE UK helpline, 7 days a week, 365 days per year on 0800 1696565.
Age UK B&NES is a local charity that supports around 12,000 older people, their families and carers every year, with essential services.
It has a small team of staff and around 150 volunteers who assist with a variety of tasks including day care and lunch club provision, toenail cutting and home from hospital services.
You can also find out more on the website www.ageukbanes.co.uk.
