Age UK Lancashire help Eunice back on her feet

“All these ‘little’ things have certainly made a difference.”

These were the words of Aly, Eunice’s daughter, who can’t thank Age UK Lancashire enough for helping Eunice back on her feet following a recent Hip operation.

Eunice, aged 94, contacted Age UK Lancashire through the Information and Advice service explaining her current situation and was referred to Outreach Officer, Jaqui Collins, who worked on Age UK Lancashire’s ‘Connecting Veterans’ Service.

Jaqui said:

“I contacted Eunice straight away who then informed me that she had spent 10 years serving in the RAF (Royal Air Force) as a Physical Training Instructor. She told me that she hadn’t left her Flat in weeks.”

Knowing that Eunice lived on the Fylde Coast, Jaqui contacted local Football Club Blackpool FC, who host a weekly Veterans Breakfast Club every Wednesday.

With no way of travelling there, Jaqui took it upon herself to transport Eunice to the Breakfast club. This was Eunice’s first time in a while of leaving her flat and socialising with others and she loved it, saying “the 2 hours passed by in a flash”. Eunice was able to bond and share experiences with other veterans and enjoyed herself so much she returned the next week, this time with her daughter, Aly, who was visiting from Australia.

Aly was able to find a volunteer driver who would take her to the breakfast club and other opportunities Jaqui has set up which included another group on the Fylde coast. This came a relief to Aly who was on her way home to Australia and wanted to make sure her mum was able to access these events.

Jaqui went on to support Eunice with getting dental treatments, applying for a 'Blue Light' card and has referred Eunice on to Lancashire County Council’s Armed Forces Service, who have allocated her a mentor.

The support Jaqui has given has not only helped Eunice but has put Aly’s mind at ease, she said:

“Thank you so very much for all your help Jaqui. All these ‘little’ things have certainly made a HUGE difference to her enabling her to meet people with something in common.

People like yourself, are doing such a GREAT job.”

Launching only this month, Age UK Lancashire’s new veterans project aims to connect veterans in Lancashire. Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Age UK Lancashire will connect with veterans and introduce them to organisations across Lancashire to utilise the wealth of knowledge and opportunities available to veterans within the county. Outreach workers from Age UK Lancashire will support veterans to reduce any barriers such as transport or confidence which may prevent them from socialising or meeting with others.

If you are a veteran or know a veteran then please reach out to Age UK Lancashire by calling 0300 303 1234 or email advice@ageuklancs.org.uk.