South Gloucestershire Council has teamed up with Age UK South Gloucestershire to ask everyone to check in on vulnerable and isolated neighbours.
The ‘Good Neighbours’ initiative aims to tackle loneliness and help people who are struggling with the upkeep of their property or to make simple adjustments which will allow them to continue to live independently in their homes.
Age UK South Gloucestershire has already helped many people over the age of 50, some living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. The charity picks up referrals from family members, social workers or visitors to properties such as heating engineers.
They turned life around for an elderly lady living in two inches of stagnant water who did not think anyone would want to help her and successfully applied for financial support for a couple who could only afford to eat vegetable soup. They have also supported a lonely gentlemen who sat outside every day on a white plastic chair in the hope someone would speak to him.
Age UK chief executive Mark Flower said: “We all have parents, grandparents, elderly neighbours. We would not let them live in these conditions and we should not let other members of our community.
“We know there are more people out there struggling to live, to make ends meet or heat their homes.
“Many of our clients would never ask for help or they don’t know help is available. We want to raise awareness that Age UK South Gloucestershire is here and whilst we don’t expect you to knock on people’s doors if you think something is wrong, we want people to know that we will.”
Councillor John O’Neill, South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet member responsible for adults and housing, said: “Being a good neighbour isn’t something we should aspire to be, it is something we all should be.
“It is about being part of a neighbourhood, a community and South Gloucestershire. Nobody should be living in damp, cold or unsafe conditions, especially older people on their own, and not feel they can ask for help.
“The Good Neighbours scheme gives us all an opportunity to do something for our older residents and we are so grateful to Age UK South Gloucestershire for all the work they already do to support our elderly population.”
You can find out more about the Good Neighbours campaign by watching the videos on the council’s Facebook page.
If you are concerned about someone who could benefit from Age UK South Gloucestershire’s help call 01454 411707 or email info@ageuksouthglos.org.uk
