Horsham charity running events to help elderly combat the cold

The charity is continuing its annual Spread the Warmth campaign with businesses across the Horsham district raising money for the cause.

As part of Cold Homes Week, running from February Monday 2 to Saturday February 7, the branch is also putting on events to raise awareness about keeping warm during winter.

They will culminate in the charity’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the Ostara Ball.

Each winter, one older person dies needlessly every seven minutes. Spread the Warmth is Age UK’s campaign to help older people stay well during winter.

Many older people across the Horsham district are affected by loneliness, isolation and worry about finding money to keep themselves warm through the cold winter months.

Janice Leeming chief executive of Age UK Horsham District said: “Bobble Day on Saturday February 7, when we are holding a street collection and other activities in Horsham town centre, and our annual Ostara Ball to be held at South Lodge Hotel on February 28 are key events on our fundraising calendar.

“We are an independent charity and need to raise much needed funds to support our free services that help tackle the issues faced by many across the district and help improve the quality of life for an older person.”

Across the country more than half a million older people will have spent Christmas alone with only the television for company. Age UK Horsham District works closely with partners across the district to tackle the issues faced by older people. Whether it’s a home visit from one of their information and advice officers to discuss finances or organising regular visits from one of our volunteers who call in on isolated older people.

The money raised enables the charity to support the older people with the huge range of needs and with there now being more than 25,000 people aged over 65 in the district, every donation can change a life.

Look out for the cafes and restaurants across the district selling winter warmers and raising money for Age UK Horsham District.

Schools and businesses are encouraged to join in by wearing one of the charity’s bobbles or take part in a ‘wear a woolly day’ during February to raise funds.

For more information about getting involved email community fundraiser Angie De Ath at [email protected]. To find out more about the charity’s work in the Horsham district or go to www.ageuk.org.uk/horshamdistrict/spread-the-warmth