29th April 2021
Age UK Carlisle and Eden received £18,000 from the NHS Winter Resilience Fund to support its Winter Resilience project.
Through the Winter Resilience project, Age UK Carlisle & Eden was able to help those most affected by COVID-19 and supported them through the winter months. The funding offered 219 older people counselling support, advice and guidance, and befriending opportunities.
Alison Ambrose, Chief Executive Office, said: “There is a real need for a confidential and accessible support service, somewhere a vulnerable person can turn to in their hour of need.
“We offer help in a holistic manner to identify each person’s needs and tailor support to address these needs. We provide opportunities for individuals to talk confidentially, be there to provide emotional support and guidance, especially in these uncertain times. Individuals were able to access direct support including a dedicated telephone service. We provided befriending opportunities to combat isolation and supported people in reconnecting with local communities.”
The listening service is provided by students working towards a degree and who have already attained level 4 certificate in counselling.
One client, who was supported through the listening service, said: “I lost my husband of 65 years on in March last year. It was a marriage of complete love and happiness. I was encouraged and reassured in so many ways and I really don’t know how I would have coped without the service. They have been so understanding and got me back on the road to recovery addressing all the sad times I’m having. Thank you Age UK Carlisle and Eden for finding such kind and patient “friends to help us through these hard times.”