Joint effort between sectors to help those affected by flooding

On the morning of Thursday 31st May, Age UK Solihull was notified that many properties in the borough had been affected by the weekend’s flooding and were asked if we could provide support to the Council with visiting vulnerable residents.

We immediately sent 2 Community Advice Hub advisors out to the worst affected area, Nethercote Gardens and our Winter Warmth Manager was dispatched to the Tidbury Green/Dicken’s Heath area.

Working with the Assistant Director of Stronger Communities, the Highways Dept, the Neighbourhood Teams, Children’s Services and Income and Awards, 10 Age UK Solihull staff visited over 80 affected households across Shirley, Solihull Lodge, Dicken’s Heath, Cheswick Green and Earlswood over the following 10 days. The youngest resident was 3 months old and the oldest resident in her 90s.

The teams dealt with issues including finding alternative accommodation, white goods and furniture, gas and electrical problems, insurance companies (and unfortunately those not insured) and health and care needs. Many of those affected will not be able to return to their properties for many months to come and Age UK Solihull will continue to work with the Council to provide support to those residents.

The response, to the unprecedented flooding and to the needs of local residents, was a great joint effort between sectors.

If anyone is experiencing ongoing difficulties following the recent floods in parts of Solihull, contact us on 0121 704 7840 or 0121 704 8080 and we will support and coordinate help with Solihull Council.

Please note, we are closed on the weekends so please contact Solihull Council on 0121 704 8001.