Calls to help elderly as winter freeze bites

Snow and ice can make going outside almost impossible for the disabled or frail, and a prolonged cold snap could leave some people isolated, hungry and lonely.

People around Leamington and Warwick have been called upon to check on the welfare of friends or neighbours who may be unable to get out in the worst weather.

In Sydenham, staff at the Sydni Centre are setting up a contact list of community wardens to ensure people do not become isolated.

Manager Kate Cliffe said: “Last year, people really were trapped in their homes and we didn’t know how to find them. Fortunately a real sense of community spirit came out and people really did help their neighbours.”

Whitnash town councillor Jim Nutt (Ind, Whitnash West) is also hoping to find a way to identify those who may need help.

He said: “Some people are isolated and we should make sure they have access to services. Some older people aren’t going to get to the shops.”

Age Concern Leamington chief executive Elizabeth Phillips urges older people not to go out in colder weather as this could put them at risk of heart and breathing problems.

Instead she advises people not to be coy about asking friends or neighbours for help, and to contact organisations like Age Concern if they need help with shopping or have problems such as broken boilers.

Community development worker Linda Price, whose work covers Lillington, the Packmores, Forbes and Chase Meadow estates in Warwick, and Budbrooke, also encourages people to keep an eye out for elderly or disabled people in their area.

She stresses people do not necessarily need to sign up to anything, but could help by doing things as simple as looking to see curtains are opened and closed each day, or checking for a build-up of post or milk bottles.

She added simple tasks such as helping with shopping or taking dogs for a walk, clearing paths or even just talking to people could make a difference.

She said: “A cold snap can be quite scary and worrying for older people, particularly if they don’t keep themselves warm.

“Offering help is better than asking, because people don’t like to ask. They can feel quite isolated, so finding a way to talk to them can be quite useful.”

Call 422071 if you are interested in volunteering as a community warden in Sydenham. Age Concern’s care and repair team can be reached on 458125.