Looking After Our Vulnerable Neighbours in the Col, Snowy Weather

At least his cup is warm for a minute or two

As the UK endures the braces biting chill of heavy snowfalls, it’s a stark reminder of how brutal winter can be. 

While many of us might grumble about frosted windscreens and slippery pavements, for others—particularly the elderly and vulnerable—this weather poses a genuine threat to their health and wellbeing.

This year, the situation is compounded by a troubling development: the slashing of the winter fuel allowance for millions of pensioners. For countless older individuals, this reduction means an already tight budget is stretched even further, forcing impossible choices between heating their homes and putting food on the table.

Now, more than ever, we all have a part to play in ensuring our communities stay safe and supported.

Why Vulnerable People Are at Greater Risk

For pensioners and vulnerable individuals, the combination of freezing weather and limited resources can be lethal. Cold homes can lead to hypothermia, exacerbate existing health conditions such as heart and respiratory issues, and contribute to severe isolation as icy streets and poor mobility make leaving the house near-impossible.

This is not just a matter of comfort—it’s a matter of survival.

What Can You Do to Help?

Here are some simple but impactful actions you can take to make a difference:

heat. eat or just put on another coat?

Check In Regularly: Knock on the door or make a phone call to ensure vulnerable neighbours, friends, or family members are warm and well. A friendly chat can also help combat loneliness, which can be as harmful as the cold itself.

Offer Practical Assistance: Can you help with grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or clearing snow from paths? Small gestures can ease the strain on someone who is struggling.

Share Warmth: If someone you know is unable to heat their home adequately, invite them over to share a warm space or drop off extra blankets, hot water bottles, or thermal clothing.

Spread Awareness: Let others know about local services or charities that can assist during this time. Many organisations offer emergency grants, hot meals, or even temporary accommodation for those in dire need.

Advocate for Change: While immediate action is essential, we must also address the root causes of fuel poverty. Write to your MP, support campaigns calling for a reversal of the fuel allowance cuts, and raise awareness on social media.

Community Spirit Can Save Lives

The beauty of living in a community is that we are never truly alone—when we come together, we can make a real difference. In this heavy snow, let’s rekindle that spirit of care and compassion by looking out for one another.

No one should have to choose between staying warm and staying fed. Together, we can ensure that no one is left to face the cold alone.

Take a moment today to reach out. Your kindness could be the warmth someone desperately needs.

Age Concern Hampshire Launches Christmas Campaign: “Let’s Spread Cheer into the New Year”

Age Concern Hampshire is thrilled to announce the launch of their festive campaign, “Let’s Spread Cheer into the New Year”. This campaign highlights the vital role the charity’s services have played in not only helping older people feel supported, valued, and connected, but also in bringing much-needed cheer and positivity into their lives, as well as the lives of their families and carers.

The key focus of this year’s campaign is to rally support from the public and corporate partners to ensure that the charity can continue its mission into 2025 and beyond. 

Donations raised through the campaign will enable Age Concern Hampshire to carry on offering these vital services, bringing much-needed cheer to even more older people in the year ahead.

Through images and highlights from the past year, the campaign will showcase how essential Age Concern Hampshire services are in delivering vital support and spreading cheer to older people at a time of the year when older people can feel particularly isolated.

Age Concern Hampshire’s services, include dementia support at their Care & Wellbeing Centres, support leaving hospital with the Hospital to Home Service, various social groups, and other community initiatives.

Said Hannah Park, Head of Operations at Age Concern Hampshire: “Our services are crucial in ensuring older people feel supported and valued throughout the year. With the help of public and corporate donations, we can continue to bring joy and comfort into their lives, not only this Christmas but into 2025 as well.”

Age Concern Hampshire is calling on individuals, businesses, and organisations to support the “Let’s Spread Cheer into the New Year” campaign by donating through their JustGiving page. The charity is also open to taking on local sponsors for the campaign. 

Every contribution will directly support the charity’s services, enabling them to continue offering care, companionship, and support to older people in need. Donate via Age Concern Hampshire’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/xmas24 or contact the Fundraising team to discuss sponsorship at supporters@ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Founded in 1985, Age Concern Hampshire provide services to the older community of Hampshire. The charity currently deliver support at our Care & Wellbeing centres throughout the county, as well as Help at Home, Information via our Information Hub, Foot care clinics, Hospital to Home Services, Community Information Volunteer Services, and a variety of other activities. 

For more information, visit: www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

For people living outside Hampshire your local Age Concern or Age UK will be operating similar schemes for older people over Christmas just search for them using Google or Bing or visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk

Age UK Lambeth Launches Heartwarming Christmas Campaign ‘MYHoHoHo’ Christmas Day meal service

Age UK Lambeth is delighted to announce the launch of their festive fundraising campaign, ‘MYHoHoHo’, aimed at bringing joy and support to older individuals in the community this Christmas season.

Recognising the importance of connection and care for our older population—many of whom may be facing loneliness and isolation—Age UK Lambeth is determined to address the issue of loneliness, which affects 1.2 million older people across the UK. 

This year, they aim to raise funds to provide Christmas meals to those who will be on their own by matching them with local volunteers, as well as to help keep their services operational over the festive period, a time that can be particularly lonely and isolating for older individuals.

“We are excited to launch our ‘MYHoHoHo’ campaign, which is all about spreading joy and making a positive impact on the lives of older adults in Lambeth,” said Paul Coles, CEO at Age UK Lambeth. “This time of year is often challenging for many, and with your support, we can provide companionship, warmth, and vital resources to those in need.”

To support their campaign they're requesting for volunteers to sign up to provide an extra serving of their Christmas Day meal to a local isolated and lonely neighbour, bringing companionship and good cheer! 

They are also asking the community to participate by sharing their Christmas cheer and helping generate funds that will directly support Age UK Lambeth’s essential services and programmes.

Through JustGiving, individuals can donate and join in the festive spirit of giving, making sure no older person in Lambeth feels forgotten during the Christmas season.

All funds raised via the campaign will also go towards Age UK Lambeth’s vital support services, including home visits, social activities, and essential care for vulnerable older adults in the area. For more information on how to volunteer, please visit our website or to make a direct donation visit their Just Giving page.

A spokesman said: "Together, let’s make this Christmas a time of joy, connection, and support for older individuals in our community."

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lambeth

How Over 60s Can Take Advantage of Discounts for Christmas Shopping

As we approach the festive season, the excitement of buying gifts, food, and drinks for Christmas is often met with the reality of balancing our budgets. 

For those of us over 60, there’s good news! Many shops and businesses offer special discounts to seniors, which can be a great help when it comes to stretching your finances and enjoying the Christmas season without breaking the bank. 

Here’s a guide to finding and making the most of these discounts while doing your holiday shopping.

1. Supermarkets Offering Discounts to Over 60s

Food shopping is often one of the biggest expenses at Christmas, but several UK supermarkets recognise the financial challenges faced by older customers and offer senior discounts. Although these discounts are not always advertised, it’s worth checking in-store or online to see if they are available.

Co-op: In some regions, Co-op stores offer a senior discount of 10% on selected days when you present a valid membership card.

Iceland: Iceland offers ‘Over 60s Tuesdays’, where customers over the age of 60 can receive 10% off their grocery bill. This can be a lifesaver when stocking up on festive treats and essentials.

Always ask the cashier or check online for updates, as these offers can vary by location and may only be available on specific days of the week.

2. High Street Shops with Discounts for Seniors

Many high street retailers offer discounts for those over 60, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas. These stores can be excellent places to shop for gifts without overspending. Here are a few places to keep an eye on:

Boots: Boots frequently offers discounts for Advantage Card holders, including those over 60. The Advantage Card also allows you to collect points that can be redeemed on future purchases, perfect for stocking up on toiletries and beauty gifts.

Marks & Spencer: M&S often runs promotions, and while they don’t have a fixed senior discount, there are regular sales and loyalty schemes that offer excellent value. Keep an eye on their festive sales and loyalty vouchers.

Clarks: If you’re looking to treat yourself or a loved one to some comfortable shoes for Christmas, Clarks offers a 10% discount to seniors, which can be used in-store and online.

3. Discounts on Food and Drink

Whether you’re planning a Christmas dinner or just want to enjoy some festive meals out, many restaurants and cafes provide discounts for older customers. Here are some options to consider:

Harvester: Harvester restaurants often offer a senior citizen discount or special menus at reduced prices. This is perfect for a relaxed meal out during the festive season.

Wetherspoons: Many Wetherspoons pubs have discounted meal offers for older customers, especially during lunchtime. This can be a great way to meet up with friends for a festive meal without spending too much.

Morrisons Café: Some Morrisons cafés offer special discounts for seniors, so it’s worth checking if your local branch has a Christmas offer. They often have a great selection of meals, perfect for a festive catch-up over a hot meal or tea.

4. Looking Out for Special Christmas Promotions

As Christmas approaches, businesses often increase their promotions and special offers, and many extend these to senior customers. Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions in your local area, as smaller independent shops and markets often offer discounts to attract older shoppers.

Local Garden Centres: Many garden centres offer senior discount days. They’re great places to pick up Christmas decorations, plants, and even unique gifts.

Department Stores: Stores like Debenhams or House of Fraser occasionally run senior discount days, and during the festive season, there are often sales where you can stack additional discounts. Look for ‘friends and family’ events which sometimes allow extra reductions.

5. Online Shopping for Discounts

Many older shoppers are now turning to online shopping for its convenience, especially during the busy Christmas period. There are numerous online retailers offering senior discounts or loyalty schemes that can make shopping easier and cheaper.

Amazon: While Amazon doesn’t offer specific senior discounts, they do have deals during their Christmas and Black Friday sales that can help you save on everything from gifts to food hampers. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can also take advantage of fast and free shipping, which can be particularly handy during the festive rush.

Sainsbury’s Online: Sainsbury’s often runs promotions, and signing up for their Nectar Card can lead to discounts on groceries, gifts, and festive drinks.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

Many businesses don’t always advertise their discounts for seniors, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t available. Whether you’re in a large chain store or a small local shop, it never hurts to ask if they offer a discount for those over 60. Many staff members will be happy to let you know about any available offers.

In restaurants or cafés, don’t hesitate to ask about senior menus or discounts, particularly when ordering Christmas meals. You might be surprised at the savings you can find simply by asking the question.

7. Use Your Concessions to Save on Travel

Don’t forget that many of us over 60 can also take advantage of travel concessions, which will help us get to the shops for less. Whether it’s a Senior Railcard or free bus travel (over 65s, now) using these benefits can cut down the cost of travelling to do your Christmas shopping.

If you’re visiting a shopping centre or travelling to see family and friends over the festive period, these savings can quickly add up, leaving more in your budget for gifts and treats.

As we prepare for the festive season, those of us over 60 can take advantage of a wide range of discounts that make Christmas shopping more affordable. From food and drinks to gifts and festive treats, these savings can help ease the financial burden while still allowing you to celebrate in style. 

By being mindful of where to shop and asking about senior discounts, you can ensure that your Christmas is filled with joy, goodwill, and great value. Happy bargain hunting and have a wonderful festive season!

This website will be of help to those of us who are over 60:- https://www.over60sdiscounts.co.uk

Looking Out for the Vulnerable This Christmas: A Call for Compassion and Support

As the festive season approaches, our hearts naturally turn to the spirit of giving and togetherness. For many, Christmas is a time of warmth, family gatherings, and festive joy. 

However, for some of the most vulnerable members of our society, this time of year can bring additional challenges, particularly with the government’s recent decision to cancel the Winter Fuel Allowance, a move that will affect many pensioners, including 1.6 million disabled pensioners. 

This drastic cut in support places elderly and disabled individuals in even more precarious positions, and it falls upon all of us to help where we can.

The Importance of Community Support

The elderly, especially those who are disabled or living alone, are often at risk of isolation during the winter months. The cancellation of the Winter Fuel Allowance may leave many facing difficult choices: do they heat their homes, or do they put food on the table? No one should be forced into such dire circumstances, but unfortunately, this will become the reality for many. Without the vital financial support that the allowance provided, energy bills will likely become unmanageable, exacerbating an already challenging cost-of-living crisis.

This Christmas, we must come together as a community to ensure that our elderly and disabled neighbours are not left behind. While the government may have withdrawn this crucial support, we can still make a difference by extending a hand of friendship, warmth, and compassion.

Practical Ways to Help

Here are some practical steps we can take to support the elderly and vulnerable in our communities:

Check in on Neighbours: A simple knock on the door or a phone call can make a world of difference. Ask if they need help with grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or even just a chat to break the loneliness.

Offer to Help with Heating Costs: If you're able to, consider donating to local charities that provide assistance with heating bills. Many organisations are stepping up to fill the gap left by the cancelled allowance, and every little bit helps. If you know someone personally who may be struggling, a discreet offer of help could ease their burden.

Donate Warm Clothing and Blankets: As temperatures drop, access to warm clothing and blankets can make a significant difference for those who are struggling to keep their homes heated. Local shelters, churches, and community centres often organise winter clothing drives, and your contributions could provide much-needed comfort.

Volunteer Your Time: Many local charities are running programmes to support the elderly during winter. From delivering hot meals to providing transport for medical appointments, there are numerous ways to get involved. Your time could be the greatest gift of all.

Spread Awareness: With the cancellation of the Winter Fuel Allowance, it’s important that we raise awareness about the plight of vulnerable individuals. Use social media to share information about local initiatives and encourage others to get involved.

The Impact of the Winter Fuel Allowance Cancellation

The loss of the Winter Fuel Allowance will hit some of the most vulnerable the hardest. For 1.6 million disabled pensioners, this financial lifeline helped them manage the cost of heating during the coldest months. Without it, many will face a greater risk of health complications related to cold weather, such as hypothermia, respiratory infections, and exacerbated conditions like arthritis or cardiovascular disease.

The lack of government support highlights the need for a stronger community response. While it’s easy to feel helpless in the face of such a large-scale issue, collective action can make a real difference. Every small act of kindness, every donation, and every effort to check in on a vulnerable person contributes to a safer, more supportive environment for those in need.

The True Spirit of Christmas

At its core, Christmas is about giving, kindness, and bringing light to those in dark times. This year, more than ever, we must embody that spirit by ensuring that the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable members of our society are not forgotten. Whether it’s through a simple gesture of friendship or a larger effort to support charities and organisations, every action counts.

In the face of government cutbacks, our communities must rise to the challenge of supporting one another. As we celebrate the festive season, let’s remember that the greatest gift we can offer is our care and compassion for those who need it most.

This Christmas, let’s look out for one another, ensuring that no one has to choose between warmth and well-being. Together, we can make this season a little brighter for everyone.

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/16-million-disabled-pensioners-set-lose-winter-fuel-payments

https://www.ageuk.org.uk

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‘Say No to Socks, Get a Gift You'll Remember’ - Age UK Lambeth Launches Christmas Fundraising Campaign

‘Older Londoners are 50% more likely to experience food insecurity than the rest of England'

As the festive season approaches, Age UK Lambeth is pleased to announce the launch of its Christmas fundraising campaign ‘Say No to Socks, Get a Gift You'll Remember.’ 

Are you tired of receiving unwanted, dust-collecting presents year after year? This festive season, why not make a meaningful change by receiving gifts that truly make a difference? 

Ask family and friends for donations instead of naff gifts and make it a year to remember!

‘24% of older Londoners (over the age of 50) live in poverty’ (Age UK London - Poverty amongst older Londoners October 2023)

The cost of living crisis has hit our older population particularly hard. Rising energy bills and soaring food prices have placed a heavy burden on older individuals, many of whom live on fixed incomes. Age UK Lambeth is committed to ensuring no older person in our community is left behind during the holiday season.

‘Older Londoners are 50% more likely to experience food insecurity than the rest of England. Additionally, 58% of people in fuel poverty in London are over 60 (Age UK London, 2022).

This year's campaign is dedicated to addressing the profound challenges faced by older adults in our community due to the ever-increasing cost of living by asking people to replace those unwanted and forgettable presents with something that matters most: support for older adults in our community who need it. The funds collected will go towards essential services, including:

Winter Warm Hubs: With winter approaching, many older people will struggle to stay warm in their homes. Age UK Lambeth will provide a winter warm hub where they can come and stay warm, get a meal, and make friends

Energy & Money Support: Age UK Lambeth will offer advice and support to help people with their energy bills, benefits, and other essential issues that older people often face during the winter months.

Friendship Services: Loneliness and isolation are significant issues for older individuals, especially during the holidays. The campaign will fund our MYneighbour and MYsocial services to ensure the most isolated older people have someone to talk to and share the joy of the season with.

"Christmas is a time for joy and togetherness, but for many older adults in Lambeth, it can be a time of great hardship. The cost of living crisis has left them struggling to make ends meet, and we believe that no one should have to face these challenges alone," said Paul Coles, CEO of Age UK Lambeth

How it works:

Set up your Just Giving page which will connect directly to their Christmas campaign

Share the link with family and friends and ask that they donate there instead of buying you a Christmas present this year

Watch as you raise life-changing money for older people in Lambeth

Direct donations can also be made to our Christmas campaign through our website www.justgiving.com/campaign/auklchristmas2023, by calling 07749 850058 or by emailing fundraising@ageuklambeth.org.

They are also looking for volunteers to participate in their MY ho ho ho campaign. They are asking local volunteers to cook and deliver an extra Christmas meal for an older person in Lambeth. For more information please visit our website https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lambeth/get-involved/christmas.

For more information about Age UK Lambeth's Christmas fundraising campaign and how you can get involved, please visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lambeth/get-involved/christmas or contact James on 07749 850058 or email fundraising@ageuklambeth.org.