MP Steve Barclay has given his backing to a charity campaign supporting older people this winter.
Age UK Cambridgeshire’s Wrap Around Winter Campaign offers non-medical early intervention services for those over 60 who need support in carrying out day to day tasks.
Mr Barclay also highlighted the vital service provided by The Silver Line, a free, confidential 24-hour helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people.
More than half of 75 year-olds in the UK live alone and one in ten suffers “intense” loneliness but is reluctant to ask for help.
In a poll conducted to mark the national launch of The Silver Line on November 25 last year, nine out of 10 older people told researchers that a chat on the phone is the most helpful solution when they feel lonely.
But one in four older people said they never or rarely have someone to chat to on the phone.
Mr Barclay said: “I am delighted to be lending my support to the Silver Line national helpline and Age UK Cambridgeshire’s Wrap Around Winter campaign.
“Both services offer older and lonely members of the community with information, companionship and advice to give them a helping hand and companionship this winter.
“It is vitally important that older people who have made valuable contributions to our country and communities have the support and companionship they deserve in their older years.”
Lynne Byrne, of Age UK Cambridgeshire, said: “I am very glad that Steve Barclay is lending his support to our work and Age UK’s Wrap around Winter Campaign.
“As the UK’s leading charity for older people, we offer a point of contact for joined up services, support and information for those who are in need of help and advice throughout the year.
“We all have a part to play in the community and a responsibility to look out for older neighbours and relatives.”
The national Silver Line can be reached on 0800 470 80 90 and Age UK Cambridge is on 0300 666 9860
For more information on the services please visit http://www.thesilverline.org.uk/ and http://www.ageuk.org.uk/cambridgeshire/
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