Statement from Jo Dare, CEO, Age UK Isle of Wight:
In line with the Government’s latest advice, Age UK Isle of Wight is moving to the next level of our escalation plan.
The situation we face through Coronavirus is unprecedented.
Age UK Isle of Wight is integrated into our local health and social care system, and during this time, when our primary purpose is to support older people, one of the most vulnerable groups at the present time, we are working hard to ensure we can sustain as much vital support for local people as we can, whilst also adhering to the clinical and social guidance around minimising risks of exposure.
Government guidance is to limit face to face contacts where not essential, not to stop services completely, and therefore our approach is to maintain as much support as we can over the telephone or digitally.
We are temporarily suspending our social activities and non-essential home visits and are replacing them with wellbeing telephone calls or a digital offer.
Collaborating with our voluntary sector colleagues this will ensure we can maximise our resources to support people who are self-isolating in 3 key areas:
Shopping
Prescription collection
Telephone or digital befriending and wellbeing checks
If you need this, or other support whilst self-isolating, contact 01983 525282 to register your details.
You can also contact 525282 if you would like to offer voluntary support in your local area. We so appreciate those coming forward, and have today published an online application form so that people can register their interest while allowing us to manage and review the applications to safeguard all involved. We are working closely with IW Council Trading Standards Scams Team (IWASP) and other organisations to ensure that our most vulnerable residents are protected at this difficult time.
Our services that directly support people so they do not need statutory services, or help them get home from hospital, are being maintained with advice from statutory partners to ensure sensible and appropriate safeguards are in place.
As a community, we are facing some challenging times but please rest assured that the purpose of your local charity, Age UK Isle of Wight, remains unchanged. We are committed to supporting our population now, and also look forward to returning to our full portfolio of services and activities as soon as we possibly can. In the meantime, we are here to help so please call if you need us.
With very best wishes and sincere thanks for your patience, support and understanding, Jo Dare Chief Executive.
