Help and support from Age UK Solihull

Age UK Solihull continues to respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic and provide support to older people in our local communities. The way in which we deliver our services has adapted in this challenging time, but older and vulnerable people and their health and wellbeing remain at the forefront of everything we do.

In the past 6 weeks our emergency response has moved to a 7 day a week service, had contact with 30% more older people than the preceding 6 week period, and seen a 353% increase in contacts in and out of our main telephone line, packed and delivered 3,000 food parcels, made 900 Befriending calls and 560 daily welfare calls, recruited 180 new volunteers and more.

From 11 May 2020, all regular weekly food parcel deliveries have transferred to the Helping Hands food bank, based at the Renewal Centre, Lode Lane, Solihull. This decision has been taken to enable Age UK Solihull to concentrate its limited resources on increasing its volunteer capacity so we can provide more volunteer shopping trips, more prescription collection and deliveries and more befriending and welfare calls. It also means we can continue to support older and vulnerable people with their emergency needs. Telephone Helping Hands on 0121 711 7300. We now ask our fantastic supporters to make their donations of food, toiletries and basic essentials to Helping Hands.

Whilst we have needed to close our four clubs, we have stepped up telephone contact with those who are lonely and isolated. Our Linking People Together Service is offering telephone befriending calls and general welfare checks to help us stay in touch with older people and refer them to more help if needed. Telephone 0121 704 7846 for information about this service.

Our gentle exercises classes have also closed for now, but instructor, Sharon, has recorded some virtual classes that you can do at home. Our Postural Stability Team can also provide support with strength and balance exercises and advice on avoiding falls by phone. Telephone 0121 704 7845 for information.

The Home Support Service is continuing to support those most vulnerable with essential tasks in their homes and has stringent safety and hygiene measures in place. These tasks are now limited to shopping and meal preparation, but our Home Support Workers always have time for a chat. Telephone them on 0121 704 7848

The Community Advice Hubs are both now closed for drop-ins, but we are still providing information and advice by telephone, email, or if absolutely necessary, face-to-face appointment. Please call 0121 709 7590 or email admin@solihullcommunityhub.org.uk for help. We will still offer services such as benefit form completion, debt advice, and health and wellbeing advice, but this will be carried out primarily by telephone.

Age UK Solihull is still here 7 days a week to support local older and vulnerable people. Our main line is open 9.30am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday and we are also monitoring calls at weekends and we will respond to emergencies. If you are an older or vulnerable person who needs information, advice, access to food, medication, additional support or maybe just a chat please contact Age UK Solihull on 0121 704 7840. We'll ensure you find the help you need.

Can you help us continue to support vulnerable people in Solihull, who need us now more than ever?

Age UK Solihull has always received fantastic support from our local community and we've been so grateful for the help we've received during the coronaviurs pandemic.

Find out how you can help