Many older folk are isolated saysWRVS charity

The Women’s Royal Voluntary Service charity says the situation has been made worse by recent cuts.

Fourteen per cent of older people have been hit by a reduction in public transport services, says the charity, and ten per cent say they now get out and about less because they have no way of getting out by themselves.

David McCullough, WRVS chief executive, said: “Older people shouldn’t be confined to their own homes simply because they can’t access transport.

“Getting out and about is a basic necessity that many of us take for granted but this report shows it isn’t so straightforward for older people who may have mobility issues and we know this can have a devastating impact on wellbeing.

The charity is calling on public transport providers to consider the needs of older people who use their service by providing training for drivers to allow them to help and support older people who need assistance.

For more information on WRVS visit www.wrvs.org.uk.