Activities of daily living, Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, community outreach groups, Health care, mental health problems, Old age, Social work,
Thursday 19th February 2015
For frail older people, warmth and good food are key to keeping healthy through the chilly winter days. Three organisations have got together to help ensure this message reaches the residents of Peckham, and they are the NHS, Age Concern and the UCKG HelpCentre at 176 Rye Lane.
On Saturday 28 February, the HelpCentre will be hosting the Well & Warm Event, under an NHS funded initiative promoted by the Southwark branch of Age Concern.
Local residents aged 55 and above are invited to drop in to the HelpCentre between 1pm and 3pm for light refreshments, a briefing on winter healthcare and entertainment by members of the Victory Youth Group (VYG). Residents from local care homes and sheltered housing are expected along with members of the UCKG HelpCentre’s seniors’ group, Caleb.
“We understand that Age UK, Lewisham and Southwark will be providing winter packs for the people who come along to our event, as well as leaflets on keeping warm and eating properly,” said Kim Powell who is the UCKG HelpCentre’s Community Outreach Coordinator. “Packs will include a blanket and a thermos flask that can be filled with a warm drink at night and kept handy by the bed, which will be excellent.”
“When we knew that there would be NHS money this winter to help older people look after themselves better in cold weather, we wrote to numerous local groups and organisations inviting them to apply for small sums to help them host events,” said Rajvi Patel of Age UK, Lewisham and Southwark. “We were very pleased that UCKG took up the offer, as we are keen to reach all sectors of the community.”
Grants have been awarded to organisations in the borough and neighbouring Lambeth that work with vulnerable older people, particularly those with pre-existing illnesses and disabilities and chronic medical conditions including dementia, mental health problems, arthritis or living in deprived circumstances and at risk of isolation.
ENDS
Notes to editors
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort and welcomes all-comers. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are UCKG HelpCentre branches in England and Wales.
The UCKG HelpCentre’s community outreach groups include Caleb for anyone over 55, seeking companionship, support or both.
The Victory Youth Group (VYG), for 15 – 25 year olds, helps and encourages the young to be the best that they can be. Its members helping others through a variety of outreach activities.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckgnew.org or direct line 020 7686 6033.
