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Spread the Warmth Campaign

Published on 11 December 2023 02:13 PM

Charity Launches Campaign to Help Older People in Rotherham this Winter 

Local charity, Age UK Rotherham, has launched its Spread the Warmth campaign to make sure older people get extra help when they need it this winter. 

The campaign aims to raise extra funding so that Winter Warmth Packs can be distributed to those who need them most and to ensure that the charity can maintain other services needed at this time of year. 

Winter is a tough time for everyone, but as you get older freezing weather and winter bugs affect you more than they used to. Reduced mobility and not feeling safe on icy streets might limit when you can get out and it’s easy to feel isolated and alone. 

The Spread the Warmth campaign has already brought locals together with a push to donate wool and hand-crafted blankets to the cause and the blankets will be added to packs that include a fleece hat and scarf, gloves, hot water bottle and a thermal mug. The packs provide people with items that will help them to keep warm and they will be backed up with information about staying safe, keeping warm, insulating your home, and checking that you are getting all the benefits you’re entitled to, including Winter Fuel Payments, Warm Home Discounts and Cold Weather Payments. 

Age UK Rotherham are aiming to distribute 1000 packs and need your help to do it. You can help in two ways 

  1. Tell us if you know any older people who would benefit from the packs 
  1. Make a donation, so that we can Spread the Warmth to more people. 

You can make a donation in lieu of sending Christmas cards, in memory of a loved one or just to help the older people in your borough, the charity has set up a Just Giving page for the appeal www.justgiving.com/campaign/spreadthewarmth and every donation, no matter the amount, will be gratefully received and will help to make a difference to someone. 

The charity’s CEO, Barbara Dinsdale said “Winter affects older people more severely and when it gets really cold, their health and wellbeing can suffer. Age UK Rotherham wants to help by giving away Winter Warmth packs, along with information and support, so that the older residents in the borough have a few items to help them stay warm and know where to get more help if they need it.” 

ENDS 

 

Notes to editors 

Age UK Rotherham 

  • Age UK Rotherham is an independent charity whose charitable objectives are to make the lives of older people in Rotherham as fulfilling and rewarding as possible. 
  • More information is available at www.ageuk.org.uk/rotherham 
  • Registered charity number 1039771 

For more information, please contact Denise.Caldecott@ageukrotherham.org or call 01709 386 835.