Local Age UK makes urgent appeal for its ‘doorstep deliveries’ during pandemic

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove is calling on people to donate groceries and other essentials to older people who are housebound during the Coronavirus pandemic. The charity is collecting items, which it will deliver to people’s doorsteps, to help ensure they have the provisions they need to stay healthy during this difficult time. Collection points are in Brighton & Hove, Crawley, Haywards Heath and Bognor Regis.

As well as delivering groceries and medication, the charity is also providing knitting kits, CDs/DVDs, books and jigsaws to stave off boredom.  Tinned food, long life milk, bread, toilet roll and cleaning products are most in demand.

Helen Rice, Chief Executive at Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove said “I know shopping is difficult at the moment, but we’re asking anyone who can spare anything to drop it at our centres. We’re working with isolated, lonely and sometimes frightened older people, many of whom don’t have family or friends to rely on.  We’re determined to be there for them but we need the public to get behind us every step of the way.”

Peter Kyle, MP for Hove said “‘It’s been amazing to see how quickly Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove has adapted to meet the challenges posed by COVID-19. The scale of need is without precedent and rapidly changing. We need to celebrate and support their work to ensure they can continue reaching isolated and vulnerable older people with essential help. Age UK is their lifeline and needed more now than ever before.”

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove 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.

People should drop donations to their nearest collection point between 9am - 11am or 1pm - 3pm, Monday to Friday.  

Donations needed

If you are self-isolating and need support, or if you’re worried about a friend or family member during this time, please contact Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove on  01903 731 800 or email information@ageukwestsussex.org.uk