Emergency appeal for donations to support elderly in East Sussex

The charity says demand for its services have ‘gone through the roof ‘ as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

At a time when older people are most at risk, it is calling for the public’s help.

Visit the fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/aukes-coronaemergencyappeal

Steve Hare, chief executive of Age UK East Sussex, said, “Our first priority is serving older people in our community and I’m incredibly proud of the way our staff are stepping up to do this.

“We know older people need our help and for many very vulnerable people, we are the only help they have.

“Over the years we have built an organisation that can be there to support our local community through thick and thin and now we are needed more than ever.

“We hope the Government will bring forward more support for charities like ours very soon, so we can do more to help our older population get through this health emergency.

“Meanwhile we are extremely grateful for any and all offers of help from the public we are determined to be there for older people at their time of need but we can only do it if we have the funding and other resources with which to respond.”

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It comes as all income from Age UK East Sussex’s charity shops has stopped, while many of the associated outgoings still have to be paid.

In addition, other income streams such as fundraising events have been postponed or cancelled.

Older people are especially at medical risk from coronavirus, Age UK says. They are also isolated, worried and unable to access essential shopping, medication and friendly companionship.

Around 26 per cent of the population of East Sussex are aged over 65, against a national average of 17 per cent.

Demand for Age UK East Sussex’s services has ‘gone through the roof’ the charity says. It says it is receiving, on average, 50–70 new requests for significant help each day. These are often complex, time consuming cases.

The charity has responded rapidly and has redesigned services to meet the needs in their local area and act in line with Government guidance.

A new Community Emergency Response Team has been created which assesses someone’s needs and then ensures they get the essential shopping, medication or telephone befriending help they need.

Expert information and advice staff are on hand to provide answers to all the tricky situations this crisis is presenting.

The Charity says it is also working very closely with East Sussex County Council, five Districts and Borough councils regarding the design and delivery of their community hubs for emergency coronavirus responses.

Age UK East Sussex says it is determined to respond and is particularly concerned about the plight of older people who are on their own, without the support of family, friends or neighbours.

To help it to continue to be there for older people at their time of need in this difficult financial environment, the charity has launched an emergency appeal. Donations to the appeal will help Age UK East Sussex to keep answering the growing number of calls to its Advice Line and meet rising demand for practical support calls from older people who are feeling frightened and isolated.

To support Age UK East Sussex visit www.ageukeastsussex.org.uk