Age UK has been awarded a six-figure funding boost to support London’s vulnerable older population this winter.
The £655,154 grant was awarded by the historic Emanuel Hospital charity and will help aid thousands of older people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
The funding will go to 22 local Age UK’s across London. It will be used to offer information and advice sessions on topics such as claiming benefits, saving energy, eating well on a budget and avoiding scams.
There has been an increased demand on Age UK’s services caused by the cost-of-living crisis. Research shows that even before this year’s increased inflation, 15 percent of pensioners in the UK were in poverty, the equivalent of 1.7 million people.
The Emanuel Hospital charity was set up in 1600 and is administered by the City of London Corporation.
Chairman of the City of London Corporation Emanuel Hospital Management Sub Committee, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, said: “Rising prices, not least in the cost of fuel and basic food staples, are having an impact on everyone, but many older people are particularly vulnerable as winter begins to bite.
“The advice and support Age UK provides can have a profound effect on enabling older people to access financial support they may otherwise be missing out on, and valuable practical and emotional support in their area.”
The Emanuel Hospital charity previously gave £325,188 to Age UK to fund its Telephone Friendship Service and other support services — which help older Londoners impacted by the pandemic.
Paul Farmer, Age UK CEO, said: “We are extremely grateful for the latest grant from Emanuel Hospital, which comes at a really critical time for many older Londoners. Too many of them are already struggling to cope with rising prices for everyday items and are dreading the colder weather arriving and the challenge of heating their home on a low fixed income.
“The funding will help local Age UKs across London to provide vital frontline services to older people who risk being overwhelmed by high inflation. It will enable these local charities to offer advice and practical support, for example, with claiming the benefits that older people are due but which many miss out on, and staying warm and well when winter really takes hold.”
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