Helping over 50s get back into ‘normal’ life with new program

Age UK Northumberland has received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to run a new 12-month project helping older people in the county to begin the reset process now that coronavirus restrictions are easing.
Age UK Northumberland’s headquarters.Age UK Northumberland’s headquarters.
Age UK Northumberland’s headquarters.

‘A time to live – Covid reset and beyond’ focuses on the provision of advice and support to help navigate people back into ‘normal’ life through a program of exercise classes, activities, befriending services and practical and bereavement support.

Amy Whyte, head of charitable services for Age UK Northumberland said: “Everyone has suffered as a result of the pandemic, but our older generation have been more likely to shield for a prolonged period of time and as a result we are seeing extreme physical de-conditioning, loss of confidence, increased frailty and high levels of anxiety about returning to normal.

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“This project will enable us to work alongside community groups, parish councils, charities and health providers to reach out and support people in the next phase of our journey out of the pandemic.

“It is about working to motivate, help, build and prepare people for a time when they feel they can venture out safely and confidently and can start to live again.”

The charity’s activities since March 23, 2020 include 6,878 welfare calls and delivering 2,436 home cooked meals and Amy added that the last 13 months have given the team an even bigger insight into the needs of the county’s over 50s.