Partnerships
Volunteering Interfaith Programme (VIP)
Age UK Bradford District have joined faith leaders from Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Christian communities and signed up to the Volunteering Interfaith Programme (VIP), which is run by Strengthening Faith Institutions (SFI) in conjunction with Age UK Bradford.
Volunteers on the programme help the vulnerable with food delivery, shopping, well-being support and friendly phone calls, aiming to support local people as well as relieve some of the pressure on the NHS.
Mark Rounding, Chief Executive of Age UK Bradford said: "We are delighted to be part of this vital inter-faith initiative, working with communities from across the district to meet the challenges we are all facing in these unprecedented times. We are working with lonely older people who are frightened and anxious about their families, their health needs and food and essential supplies. This new partnership will enable us all to reach out to even more older people who are some of the most vulnerable and isolated."
Read more on the partnership in the Telegraph & Argus
For more information call us on 01274 391190 or email us: info@ageukbd.org.uk
(please don't leave a message if calling outside of office hours)
Monday to Friday: 8.30 to 16.30
Penny Appeal
We have partnered up with the Penny Appeal who are raising money for older people for food and hardship and have opened a 'Listening Line', providing support to those who are isolated, anxious or lonely over the phone 7 days a week.
Food for the Elderly
The government has advised elderly people to stay isolated and avoid leaving their homes, because they’re particularly at risk from COVID-19.
This leaves millions of older people alone and unable to get food and essentials – many don’t know how to order food online or cannot afford to do so. We’re working alongside Age UK Bradford District and local churches, mosques and temples to find and support older people who need food supplies during isolation.
We’ll be giving vulnerable elderly people food packs including essentials like soup, pasta, UHT milk and (of course) tea bags!
Hardship Fund
When crisis strikes, it’s most devastating to people who are already living in poverty. For struggling families and individuals, who may be on zero-hours contracts or who may need to stop work to care for children or vulnerable people, the coronavirus could leave them homeless and destitute.
In partnership with Age UK Bradford District, Penny Appeal will be delivering Hardship Funds to vulnerable individuals, through means-tested grants which people in need can apply for in this challenging time.
Listening Line
During the current national crisis, this problem will only get worse, as those over seventy have been advised to self-isolate for protection. Penny Appeal has launched a Listening Line, providing mental health support and a listening ear to those who are isolated, anxious or lonely.
The services will be welcoming of all, regardless of age or background.
Call the Listening Line on 0300 303 1360. Lines are open 12noon – 8pm, 7 days a week (excluding bank holidays).