Teresa O’Neill, Leader of Bexley council reports on Greenwich’s older, vulnerable and disabled residents
As Christmas fast approaches and many of us are rushing around with a million things on our mind it’s sometimes easy to forget those who may find this the most difficult time of year.
Many older people dread the winter. The dark evenings and cold weather can bring with it feelings of isolation and added anxieties about safety and the cost of extra heating.
In Bexley, we are fortunate that there are a number of local services in our community that can help.
Staying Put is the council’s service for older, vulnerable and disabled residents.
It offers help and advice on home repairs, improvements and housing options, heating bills and energy saving.
The success of our recent Ageing Well event showed what appetite there is among our more senior residents for social activities.
These kind of activities not only help to keep us sociable but they also help to keep our bodies and minds healthy.
Our Care Hub website has a list of local groups and organisations available that include everything from arts groups to lunch clubs.
Our Age UK partners in Bexley also offer information on clubs and activities right across the borough.
Sometimes though a quick visit to check on a neighbour is enough. Have a chat to make sure they are warm and have enough to eat.
Offering to put the bin out, grab some shopping, clear a path of snow, or just a sharing a cuppa and a mince pie can make all the difference.
If they don’t have access to online information, perhaps you could direct them towards some of the local activities they could take part in or help them find the information they need.
Just 10 minutes can make all the difference to someone who may be feeling isolated this Christmas. Why not check up on someone close by this winter?
Visit https://careservices.bexley.
You can also download our recent Ageing Well magazine with information on lots of local organisations from our website, or request a paper copy from our communications team on 020 8303 7777.