In this week’s paper we have looked at how elderly people are struggling and being supported during the cost-of-living crisis.
As part of its cost-of-living support scheme, Southwark Council has now launched Warm Spaces – where local community organisations, churches and small businesses open their doors to the public, so people don’t freeze in their own homes.
It’s a scheme which is open to everyone, important given nobody is being left unscathed by rising energy bills. But one suspects that the older generation, often more susceptible to the cold, will be regular service users.
Warm Spaces open to help out Southwark residents this winter
And when visiting places like the Blackfriars Settlement, one of the warm hubs, you are struck by the elderly people’s resilience.
That famous ‘stiff upper lip’ undoubtedly prevails, especially among the older generation – a sense that “we’ve dealt with worse” and that one just needs to wrap up in another layer.
Neil Coyle releases Cost of Living Support Booklet – a comprehensive guide to the help on offer
But as Christmas draws nearer, Southwark is taking on an increasingly Dickensian hue. And with the elderly being crammed into public buildings to avoid the cold, discussing where they can buy an affordable electric blanket, you wonder how long we have until that upper lip begins to tremble.
As Southwark’s health chief Cllr Evelyn Akoto said, we live in a developed country – it’s not right that people are having to choose between heating their homes or putting food on the table.
Although strapped for cash, the council seems to be thinking of the community with Warm Spaces. These will be places where people can come together, not only to keep physically warm, but be around others who are in a similar situation.
WATCH: TV Chef Big Zuu shows his support for Peckham food pantry
This will give people the opportunity to escape the feeling of isolation that many still haven’t shaken off since the pandemic. It’s a sound, community-led and cost-effective solution to a problem which the council has no easy way of solving.
Warm Hubs also reminds us that we have an ageing population that needs extra care – which is highlighted through Link Age Southwark’s fundraising this week to provide transport to the elderly struggling to get out of the house.
The national picture is, unsurprisingly, equally bleak. A recent Age UK poll among 1,600 people over the age of 60 found that 22 per cent were planning on cutting back on non-prescription medicines or specialist foods.
There’s nothing like pulling together in times of crisis – except it doesn’t feel like a victory day parade is coming anytime soon.