Vulnerable elderly people who suffer during the winter will be helped by Age UK Tameside who are launching their fourth annual Spread the Warmth Campaign this month.
As part of this national scheme they intend to distribute electric blankets, clothes, food hampers and other essentials, as well as offering services for those who struggle with mobility, such as shopping support or befriending visits.
Age UK Tameside will also ensure older people know when to turn on their heating by providing thermometers and a series of events will be run to draw attention to this problem. These include Bobble Day and Bike the Borough.
As a keen cyclist, Dr Lynn Sbaih, Director of Bluebird Care, said: “I am an avid supporter of Age UK Tameside and the work they do for local older people. It’s a shocking fact that over 23,000 older people die needlessly each year in GB.
“I really want us to do well in our fundraising, and I would hope that our efforts will raise more than £1,000 for such a deserving cause.”
For this event, cyclists can take to the road on a 28-mile ride across Tameside to raise awareness of the isolation of older people in winter, and hopefully put an end to the many needless deaths at this time of year.
As the human body ages it responds differently to the cold, with a higher likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and pneumonia.
Beyond the physical symptoms associated with winter, older people also suffer psychologically at this time of year. It is more difficult to leave the house, and the cost of heating leads to financial worries.
According to statistics more than 36% of people aged 60 or over in Britain restrict themselves to one heated room to save money.
The fundraising from Bike the Borough will be of great benefit to the people of Tameside. With a food hamper costing £10 and a friendly visit at only £5, the area will be able to meet the needs of its older community.
Chief Executive of Community and Voluntary Action Tameside, Tony Okotie, said: “Age UK Tameside delivers much needed services and makes a vital contribution to older people locally.
“We are delighted to be able to support the ‘Bike the Borough’ event in aid of the ‘Spread the Warmth’ campaign.”
Bike the Borough is set to start at Bluebird Care on Newton Street, Hyde, at 10.30am. Cyclists will ride through Hyde, Mottram, Mossley, Ashton, Droylsden, and Audenshaw before returning to Hyde in a grand tour of Tameside.
Anyone interested in taking part can contact Sarah Hopwood on 0161 308 5014.
Image courtesy of Borya via Flickr, with thanks.
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