Help Age UK Westminster combat loneliness and digital exclusion

Welcome to Age UK Westminster

We are an independent charity supporting older people in Westminster for over 70 years. Our services aim to empower older people to understand their rights and lead more fulfilling and socially active lives.

New analysis by Age UK has found that 198,000 older people in London can go for a month without meeting up with a friend, and that 19,000 over 65s in the region have not even had a conversation with family or friends over the same period. Many people experience loneliness at some point in their lives. For the majority the feeling of loneliness passes, yet for some it can persist, undermining their well-being and impacting negatively on their quality of life.

Moreover, though figures show internet use among older people is increasing, this group are still less likely to use the internet than their younger counterparts, with nearly four million people over 65 having never used the internet (Age UK, 2018). Since the pandemic, one of our biggest aims has been to help more older people get online in order to access services, events and communicate with loved ones.

We are asking for donations to help us run initiatives, activities and provide support to older people in Westminster to enable them to feel less lonely and to make them feel more digitally included. We are running two different campaigns to help us achieve our aims.

COMBAT LONELINESS

DIGITAL INCLUSION

Extreme heatwave warning

The Met Office has put out an extreme heatwave warning which covers much of England and parts of Wales and will last until early next week.  Look out for older people and others who may find it more difficult to stay cool and hydrated in hot weather.

Look out for the signs of heat-related harm

• If you feel dizzy, weak or have intense thirst and a headache, move to a cool place as soon as possible. Drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate. Avoid excess alcohol. 
• If you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms, or abdomen), rest immediately in a cool place and drink electrolyte drinks. Most people should start to recover within 30 mins and if not, you should seek medical help. Call 111 if you feel unusual symptoms, or if symptoms persist.
• Call 999 if a person develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency.  Further information on heat stroke and heat-related illnesses are available here.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot. They usually happen during a heatwave or in a hot climate, but can also occur when you're doing activities that result in your body overheating.

Keeping cool in the heat

As temperatures are set to be high next week, don’t forget to protect your health in the heat by:

• Staying hydrated - drink plenty of water and avoid excess alcohol 
• Slowing down when it’s hot
• Keeping your home cool – close any curtains or blinds during the day, open windows at night if it’s cooler outside
• Looking out for signs of feeling unwell – move to a cool place as soon as possible, slow down and drink water if you feel unwell. If you need medical help, call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency
• Trying to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, and walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat if you have to go out in the heat

Visit the NHS website for more information on how to cope in hot weather.

Our quality marks

Age UK Westminster has achieved the Age UK Charity Quality Standard (CQS).  The CQS is externally assessed by quality assessment experts, SGS.