Age UK Hertfordshire are still open to continue to support older people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest lockdown has come as a blow to all of us, but particularly for older people, many of whom live alone and have been unable to see family or friends for months.

‘It’s been such a challenging and confusing time for everyone’ says Roz Wyllie, Head of Engagement at Age UK Hertfordshire, ‘Many of our clients were already isolated and lonely and this means more days alone. For many that will have an impact on their mental and physical wellbeing, so we are doing what we can to help.’

The local charity have been creating comfort parcels, distraction packs and activity packs to keep their clients mentally and physically agile. ‘We’ve had such a positive response to the distraction packs’, Roz adds. ‘Our clients tell us that they are really enjoying the gifts and puzzles that we are sending them, and we’re so grateful to the businesses and individuals who have donated or helped us to raise funds to keep our clients occupied and connected.’

‘We’re still providing all our vital support,’ agrees Mark Hanna, the charities’ Director of Operations, ‘All our services are still running, albeit in a different form. We can provide emotional and practical help to anyone who needs us, and we have a range of services including Information & Advice, emotional support, our Help in the Home cleaning service and our very popular Befriending Service.’

‘It’s great that some of our clients are now starting to receive their vaccine,’ says Roz, ‘And we’re hopeful that soon we can reopen our clubs and our volunteers can get back to face to face visits, but in the meantime we can still provide support over the phone and on-line.’

(Jean pictured with Age UK Hertfordshire Volunteer Betty, as she go for her COVID-19 vaccination)

Age UK Hertfordshire are still open to continue to support older people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact them on 0300 345 3446 or visit them online at: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire/