Statement from our Chief Executive

The current guidelines to keep everyone safe from COVID-19 mean supporting older and vulnerable people in our local community has never been more important. The Age UK Merton centre is now temporarily closed and we significantly reduced services in people’s homes to protect our clients from the increased risk of infection. Our staff and volunteers are working round the clock to continue to support those who rely on our services every day, and to respond to large numbers of new requests for help and the complex challenges we all now face.

We know that stress, loneliness or anxiety levels may be higher for older people during this time, and our services are here to help combat this. Our Information and Advice Service remains open by email and telephone for anyone including families and carers who need advice or access to information. We have significantly increased our Befriending services by phone, including reaching out to isolated or lonely people, which is more important now than ever. We are working on new ways to support people affected by COVID-19 by working with our incredible volunteers to provide basic shopping delivery and other practical help where it is safe to do so.

Working in partnership with the London Borough of Merton Council, Merton Voluntary Service Council and other voluntary sector partners, we are providing support and triaging complex cases for the Merton COVID-19 Community Hub, a network of local organisations and volunteers which has been set up to help isolated households and those at risk from COVID-19.

Lots of people have already volunteered their time to help support our local community, and if you'd like to volunteer please contact the Merton COVID-19 Community Hub who can appropriately match you to an organisation local to you.

• Merton COVID-19 Community Hub: 020 8685 2272 - 10am - 4pm every day or email volunteer@mvsc.co.uk
• Age UK Merton volunteering department: 07514 497 545 or 07510 932 814– 9am – 4pm Mon - Fri.

If you need help, or you know someone who does

• Merton COVID-19 Community Hub: 020 8685 2272 - 10am - 4pm every day or email help@mvsc.co.uk

We know that, by working together, we can overcome this situation and come out stronger on the other side. We want to acknowledge the huge amount of public support and dedication of our staff and volunteers.

If you are in a position to make a donation to help us support the most vulnerable people in Merton at this very difficult time, that would make a huge difference to our ability to offer direct support.

Thank you

Rob Clarke

Chief Executive

Age UK Merton