Age UK Isle of Wight were quick to respond with heaters, food, blankets and water when recent adverse weather caused problems from snow, ice and threats of a lack of water supply.
The local charity pulled together staff and volunteers on both Friday 2nd and Sunday 4th March to ensure that local elderly and vulnerable residents were kept safe and well.
Thursday’s snowfall followed by an overnight freeze resulted in treacherous conditions, leaving many Age UK Isle of Wight clients in difficulty. The charity set to work contacting as many clients as possible, with their team of Care Navigators providing walking visits to vulnerable clients, to take them food, blankets and essential items. They also worked closely with Social Services to purchase and deliver heaters to clients who had been left without heating.
Late on the Saturday night, Age UK Isle of Wight were made aware of the possibility that, as a result of a number of burst water pipes, there could be a loss of water or water pressure in homes within the PO30 area. Once again, in response to concerns for the elderly and vulnerable, staff and volunteers were rallied and a co-ordinated operation was put in place in conjunction with the Isle of Wight Council, NHS, Hampshire Constabulary, Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue, Maritime Volunteer Service and Vectis 4X4 Club, to distribute hundreds of bottles of water to households in the area. The charity’s Care Navigators were involved in calling clients, and were out in 4x4s, delivering water.
Age UK Isle of Wight’s office in Newport High Street became the charity’s ‘control room’; staff contacted their team of volunteers, asking if they would knock on the doors within their local neighbourhoods, to check on residents’ wellbeing, and to feedback details of those who needed bottled water. At the same time, social media posts were being sent out and shared, raising awareness of the potential loss of water.
Liz Tuckwell was assisted by Age UK Isle of Wight; Liz and her husband are both visually impaired and were pleased to receive a call from the charity on Sunday. Liz commented:
“Age UK Isle of Wight called us just after lunchtime, to let us know about the water situation, and to check that we were both ok. Soon after, their volunteers arrived with bottles of water for us.
Article continues below this advertisement “I am currently without a guide dog as my previous dog was retired due to ill-health, so getting out and about is a little more difficult at the moment. My husband and I were both very impressed with how quickly Age UK Isle of Wight responded and by how caring and active they were.”
Age UK Isle of Wight is a local, independent charity for all Isle of Wight residents aged 50 years and over, providing services to help people improve their quality of life, whatever their circumstances.
