Age (UK) The cost of cold
The cost-of-living crisis is already having a dramatic impact of the lives of so many. Particularly vulnerable older people. New polling from Age UK found that 94% of older people (15.4 million) are worried about the cost-of-living increases. 44% of older people (7.2 million) have already reduced or expect to reduce spending on things that they need.
In response Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland have launched their ‘The Cost of Cold’ campaign. This is an urgent appeal to members of the public and local business to give what they can to ensure the charity can be there and provide vital support, information and advice to those in need.
Staying warm and well this winter is of utmost importance. Lower temperatures can increase the risk of flu and other breathing problems. It can also raise blood pressure, which can put people at a higher risk of a heart attack.
Increased demand for help
The charity have already experienced a significant rise in demand for help. This is expected to increase over the coming weeks as the temperatures plummet and the impact of rising energy costs continues. As demand rises, Age UK want people of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland to know they are here to listen, to give expert advice and to provide support whenever they, their family or someone they know needs it. From home energy checks to benefits advice and information and advice to home care. The charity offers a wealth of support to older people and their families across the region.
Just one of the heart-breaking things they’ve heard recently is from Usha who said “Its a constant worry thinking how we are going to survive this winter. The future feels very bleak at the moment.”
Tony Donovan, Executive Director at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland said: “We are receiving more and more calls from older people really concerned about how they are going to keep their homes warm this winter and pay their bills. Many older people are living with existing health conditions such as arthritis, heart problems and diabetes, meaning they have to stay warm and well at home. If older people become fearful of the cost of heating their homes, this is going have a catastrophic effect not only on their physical health, but their mental health as well. We want to keep local older people safe and warm at home, reducing the possibility of illnesses resulting in hospital admissions.”
How can you help?
With your help, Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland can help make a difference this winter.
By donating:
- £10 could help pay for regular telephone calls to some of the most vulnerable people.
- £25 could provide an emergency food parcel.
- £50 could provide support to help older people save money on fuel bills.
You can donate to The Cost of Cold appeal now at
fundraising.ageukleics.org.uk/donation/TheCostofCold
Text 10COLD to 70580 to donate £10 by text.
Alternatively you can write a cheque made payable to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland. Please send for the attention of Fundraising, Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester. LE1 7LA, and reference ‘The Cost of Cold’ on the back of the cheques.
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