West Lancashire Borough Council’s Cabinet member for older people is encouraging borough residents to lend older people a helping hand during the cold winter months.

During the cold weather older people are more likely to become seriously ill and more isolated and lonely as they may not go out as much.

Councillor Terry Aldridge, West Lancashire Borough Council Cabinet member with the portfolio for Older People, is asking residents to keep an eye out for older people in their communities at this time of year.

Councillor Aldridge said: “The winter months can be a difficult time of year for older people. I would ask that the wider community spare some time to think about older people living on their street or estate, who may not have any family living nearby, and offer to give them some help if they need it. This can be something as simple as seeing if they need any shopping doing, or any errands running.
“I would also urge older people to make sure they keep warm during the winter months. Older people are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures. This can lead to serious health problems.”
Under the Borough Council Winter Warm scheme, gas heating appliances including gas fires and boilers can be repaired and or replaced, subject to certain conditions. The scheme is available to qualifying owner occupiers who are in receipt of certain benefits, who suffer with certain health conditions and do not have a plan in place that covers boiler repairs.
For more information, including terms and conditions, please visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/winterwarm. To find out if you are eligible, and to apply, please contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01695 585279, quoting the West Lancs Winter Warm Scheme.
The Age UK website offers a lot of useful advice for older people in the ‘Winter wrapped up’ section of its website www.ageuk.org.uk.
David Ward, spokesperson for Age UK Lancashire: “As an older persons charity we see first hand how the winter months can affect older people’s health and wellbeing. We are here to support anyone who may be struggling and offer information and advice on financial support as well as giving out thermometers and information about how people can keep themselves warm and well over winter. Anyone looking for help can call our 0300 303 1234 number or visit one of our offices in Ormskirk or Southport”.