Older people’s charity, the Royal Voluntary Service, is ending its Community Meals on Wheels service on the Isle of Wight in January, it has been confirmed.
The charity has been running a private service since 2012 but due to a steady decline in the number of older people receiving a meal, the service is no longer viable. Currently, 130 older people receive a meal compared to 250 in 2012.
The service will end on Sunday 24th January 2016.
Rebecca Kennelly, Director of Operations, South of England, Royal Voluntary Service said:
“The charity took the decision to run the service privately as we were keen to continue to provide meals at home to the older people on the Island. We very much regret having to make this difficult decision, but the operational reality of providing the service with limited funds together with a reduction in customer numbers, means the service is no longer financially viable.
“The well-being of the older people on the Island is our priority and we will be providing them with details of alterative companies who can deliver meals to their home.
“Our volunteers and staff have worked tremendously hard over the years on the service and their efforts have been hugely appreciated. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for everything they have done.”
Royal Voluntary Service supports over 100,000 older people each month with tailor-made solutions to help them stay independent in their own homes. Through its army of 35,000 volunteers, the charity runs services such as Good Neighbours, Community Meals-on-Wheels and Books-on-Wheels to alleviate loneliness and help older people generally.
The Royal Voluntary Service also provides practical support for older people who are or who have been in hospital through its On Ward Befriending and Home from Hospital services and via its network of retail shops and cafes.
