Age Concern applauding unsung heroes this Volunteers Week

They are unsung heroes working for free on the front lines of the Covid-19 fight.
Volunteers Emma Gardner, Mark Nutley and Micheal Edmondson with food parcels outside Age Concern in Lostock Hall.Volunteers Emma Gardner, Mark Nutley and Micheal Edmondson with food parcels outside Age Concern in Lostock Hall.
Volunteers Emma Gardner, Mark Nutley and Micheal Edmondson with food parcels outside Age Concern in Lostock Hall.

This Volunteers Week, the Post is celebrating hard-working and kind-hearted Lancashire people who are helping the community's most vulnerable stay safe and healthy during lock-down.

Among these volunteers are those working tirelessly for Age Concern Central Lancashire to help run a Coronavirus Support Service and deliver more than £40,000 worth of food to people aged over 70 who are self-isolating. It includes providing 2,000 frozen food parcels and nearly 1,000 welfare packs, and doing 256 shopping trips for those struggling to access daily essentials, as well as donating 1,000 meals to the NHS.

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Claire Hewitson, the branch's volunteer manager, said: “Age Concern Central Lancashire could not do what we do without the amazing support and dedication from our volunteers. Before the coronavirus pandemic more than 350 volunteers worked across our services from retail to dementia support.

"Since lock-down measures were announced, a further 95 volunteers have supported the charity delivering food parcels and making shopping trips for those unable to go out.

"Those volunteering for us not only provide practical support like driving and delivering goods but are also a friendly face to those receiving support from us. A smile and wave from the end of a driveway means the world to those who have been isolating for 10 weeks.

"I am so proud of all our volunteers who have made such a difference to those out in our communities. Without them, we simply would not have had the resources to support so many older people across Lancashire as we have done."

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The charity also launched the service to help elderly people continue to access advice and dementia support, and made 3,200 check-in calls in just the first 60 days. Volunteers have taken more than 800 enquiries and provided dementia support to 946 people.

It is also helping to tackle loneliness and boost spirits in lock-down, having so far offered 453 hours of befriending, and organised events like mass afternoon tea ahead of VE Day celebrations and a Night in at the Movies complete with popcorn, pizza, snacks and donated DVDs.

Claire added: "Outside of the coronavirus, our volunteers have contributed 47,835 hours of support across the charity over the past 12 months. This is outstanding and never goes unnoticed.

"This week is National Volunteering Week and we have not been able to host our usual thank you event. This year, all Age Concern staff will be clapping during the clapping for heroes event specifically for our volunteers.”

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Age Concern Central Lancashire’s helpline is open seven days a week. For help and advice, call (01772) 552850 option 0 or visit https://www.ageisjustanumber.org.uk/covid-19-referral/

To find out more about volunteering, please call 01772 552865 or visit https://www.ageisjustanumber.org.uk/jobs/volunteer/