Age UK B&NES has launched its Winter Warmth service and is appealing for more volunteers to help out the growing number of older people across the Bath area.
As the weather turns colder, the free volunteer-run service for older people provides help with shopping, clearing snow/ice, dog walking, advice on keeping warm, or even support with claiming benefits.
Karen John from Age UK B&NES said: “We have a team of volunteers on standby to visit local, older people and provide practical support. But we need more people to join us.
“Volunteers are often responding to families’ request that someone calls in and checks on their relatives during severe weather, just to see that they are OK.
“Many older people worry that they cannot afford to turn up the heating. Volunteers help to ensure that people are getting the benefits they are entitled to and also look at ways of helping people keep their homes warm.”
The Age UK B&NES Winter Warmth service 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,” explained Karen.
Through its Winter Warmth service, 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 volunteer for the service, please contact Age UK B&NES as soon as possible.
To find out more about what’s on offer for older people, or to get 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, seven 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.
