Winter's on its way - here's what we're doing to help

Please note: this post is 87 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

For many of us winter means new coats, hot chocolate, duvet days and festivities. But this isn’t the case for everyone. For many of our older neighbours it can mean freezing days and long dark nights at home, and with unpredictable weather conditions and icy floors, leaving the home can become increasingly daunting. With high fuel bills, reduced mobility, and less chance for interaction, loneliness and isolation will be on the increase.

But winter doesn’t have to be a difficult time for our older neighbours – that’s why we’re kicking off our first annual Winter Wellbeing project. The project will identify and reach older neighbours at risk of isolation through pro-active outreach and engagement.

Some of our most isolated older neighbours may not leave their homes unless it’s to attend a doctor’s appointment, pick up a prescription or buy groceries. Therefore we’ll be talking to older neighbours on their doorsteps, at doctors’ surgeries and in pharmacies and supermarkets.

Through outgoing referrals, we aim to support older people across the City of Manchester with housing issues, social care, heating, financial questions – and our own social activities that can help bring the best bits of life to people even during the toughest time of the year.

This year we will begin much-needed work by:

• Delivering blankets and warm clothes to those feeling the cold; 
• Helping people to access healthcare and connecting them to organisations who can provide benefits and energy saving advice;
• Letting people know about free events in their area, including our own free Social Clubs
• Matching up those who struggle to get out and about with a younger neighbour who could visit them once a week through our Love Your Neighbour project;
• Supporting people whose circumstances are particularly difficult with small financial grants.

We do this work so that older neighbours in the City of Manchester can stay warm, active, healthy and connected over the winter. And as we meet new people, we'll surely inspire us to grow the activities people can be part of.