Report: David Ward

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Age UK Lancashire have proactively taken steps to develop and adapt our services to meet the needs of local older people.

And the steps they have taken are in line with NHS guidelines and requirements and have been made in consultation with Lancashire County Council.

It's now placed additional staffing on the Information and Advice Line to meet the increased levels of demand and need - anyone wishing to access information on local support during isolation, benefits, health and community care should call 0300 303 1234.

Chief Executive of Age UK Lancashire, Teri Stephenson, said: “There has been an increased level of enquiries which we have been working hard to try and respond to. It’s a time for everyone to pull together and we are doing all we can to ensure older people in Lancashire get the support they need.

"Our Advice Line team have access to lots of information from a range of sources, much of which is changing each week”.

Age UK Lancashire also continues to provide a vital service supporting the NHS to discharge older people home from hospital through their Hospital Aftercare Service - this includes taking people home from hospital and helping them to settle back at home, safely and comfortably. It also provides an enhanced aftercare service to ensure individuals receive the support that they need to stay safely at home during their period of recovery to include help with shopping, prescription collection and other social support.

From today, the charity has temporarily closed its nine charity shops across the county, as well as its day time support service. Their customer facing centres have also been closed to the public.

Teri Stephenson added: “In response to social distancing guidelines and isolation measures we have made some tough decisions, but we have introduced regular welfare calls to our customers who are currently staying at home.

"We hope to be able to extend our Good Day Calls Service to new customers in the very near future”.

In response to demand Age UK Lancashire desperately needs financial help to be able to deliver welfare calls to many more older people during this difficult time. If you are able to make a donation to their Coronavirus Isolation Appeal then please visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/coronaisolation

If you are able to offer your time to volunteer for Age UK Lancashire or can provide them with information on local community support options please email advice@ageuklancs.org.uk

For the most updated information on the charities services and the support they can provide, please visit www.ageuklancs.org.uk or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.