In direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic Age UK Lancashire have proactively taken steps to develop and adapt our services to meet the needs of the older people of Lancashire, Blackpool and North Sefton at this time. The steps we have taken are in line with NHS guidelines and requirements and have been made in consultation with Lancashire County Council.

From Monday 23rd March we will have additional staffing on our Information and Advice Line to meet the levels of demand and need. Please call 0300 303 1234 for:

·Information on sources of local support for you during your stay at home, including referrals to emergency food supplies, where available;

·Advice on a range of issues, including: benefits, housing options, health & community care;

·A Welfare Benefits check over the telephone

Age UK Lancashire continues to provide a vital service supporting the NHS to discharge older people home from hospital through our Hospital Aftercare Service (funded by Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups). This service includes:

1.Taking people home from hospital and helping them to settle back at home, safely and comfortably.

2.Providing an Enhanced Aftercare Service to ensure individuals receive the support that they need to stay safely at home during their period of recovery. This can include: help with shopping, prescription collection and other social support.

Age UK Lancashire have introduced regular welfare calls to our customers who are currently staying at home. We hope to be able to extend our Good Day Calls Service to new customers in the very near future

If you are able to offer your time to volunteer for us or can provide us with information on local community support options please email advice@ageuklancs.org.uk

We will be issuing further information about our Home Help and Daytime Support services as soon as we are able to.

Age UK Lancashire desperately needs financial help to be able to deliver our welfare calls to many more older people during this difficult time. Please support us if you can:

www.justgiving.com/campaign/coronaisolation

Please refer to the latest guidance from the NHS on Coronavirus: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/