COOK meals support isolated older people
Published on 05 May 2020 10:22 AM
COOK in Horsham has teamed up with Age UK Horsham District to get 400 meals out to older people who are unable to shop for themselves during the coronavirus pandemic.
The meals will be delivered over the next six weeks to vulnerable or isolated Age UK Horsham District members, who previously attended the Lavinia House Club regularly for social activities and a hot meal.
Simon Dowe, Interim Chief Executive at Age UK Horsham District said “The team at COOK have stepped up to help, so as well as getting groceries to people’s doorsteps, we’re now able to deliver fully prepared ready meals to some of our clients as well. This has been a huge relief to many older people, who have been genuinely worried about getting food during lockdown. If you’re not sure who to turn to in this situation, please give us a call, we’re working tirelessly to get essentials out to those in need.”
One of the charity’s clients ‘Joe’ made contact with Age UK Horsham District following lockdown as he didn’t have any food in the house. Joe lives with and cares for his partner who is housebound and had been told by his doctor to isolate. Age UK Horsham District offered Joe some of the weekly COOK meals and he was delighted to accept. Joe said “The meals are excellent, a real treat, we can’t believe how good it is!” He told the team it means a lot to him and his partner that people care enough to go out of their way to help them. They had been anxious they would be trapped in their house worrying about food and they now know that there are people who’ll help them which makes all the difference in the world.
Age UK Horsham District has quickly adapted the way it works in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. As well as the doorstep deliveries, the charity is offering information and advice, emergency welfare and safety support to the most vulnerable, telephone befriending and wellbeing advice. It is working in close partnership with colleagues at Age UK West Sussex and Brighton & Hove, Horsham Matters and Horsham District Community Transport.