We spoke to Age UK Barnet about their organisation during the pandemic and what it meant to them and how they adapted to support Barnet seniors and this is what Helen Newman, Chief Executive, had to say:
‘It has been a challenging year for older people in our borough but we’re proud that Age UK Barnet’s staff and volunteer team have been there for them. We adapted all our usual services when the first lockdown began: we set up shopping and prescription collections; our bus was on the road delivering food parcels and hot meals; our handy person team carried on doing essential jobs (in full PPE); and our falls prevention team even went door to door to inspire people to keep moving.
Our befriending programme continued over the phone and we reached out to more people with regular friendly phone chats. We used modern technology to maintain art classes, singing, craft groups, exercise and cookery sessions and we helped those older people not online to get connected – including 83-year-old James who sent his first ever email.
And throughout, the Later Life Planning advice team has done an amazing job, helping people get the support they need, be it with feelings of loneliness and isolation or practical issues such as benefits, housing, care options or, sadly, bereavement.
Age UK Barnet are looking forward to gradually opening up their regular face to face services and activities. And in April, they are excited to be launching their new Living Well Service, offering advice, support and activities to people with mild-to-moderate dementia and their carers.’
Visit the website www.ageukbarnet.org.uk or call for more information on 020 8203 5040
Age UK Barnet would like your help to plan and develop their services to meet the needs of older people in Barnet, please complete our 10-minute online survey. They would really value your experiences and views!
Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TYHGLLX
Or call for a paper copy 020 8203 5040