The Age UK Community Warden Service scheme has received a boost for its vital support for the elderly in Ely, thanks to a £3,367 donation from Hopkins Homes.
The team involved with the Community Warden Scheme helps people aged 60 and over across Cambridgeshire to live in their own homes with support, providing daily contact, reassurance, and general help to remain independent.
Hopkins Homes donated the money to support the scheme’s work in the city of Ely through its Hopkins Charitable Fund.
The coronavirus outbreak brought significant new challenges for elderly people who perhaps felt more isolated due to the lockdown restrictions. The support of the Community Warden Service has proven invaluable throughout this period.
This support ranges from helping with small amounts of shopping; collecting prescriptions; making phone calls on the person’s behalf; and arranging for a doctor or nurse to visit.
Joshua Hopkins of the Hopkins Charitable Fund visited Ely to meet two of the residents and find out how much the scheme means. He said: “The current coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for a scheme such as community wardens, and it is evident how necessary the support they deliver is for the independent elderly community.
“We are delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile organisation and it was a pleasure to be able to visit two residents and learn about the much needed support they receive. It clearly makes such a difference to their day-to-day lives.
“The communication and support that’s available to residents really helps to ease their anxiety, knowing they are not on their own and help is on hand. The relationship formed between residents and the warden provides contact and much needed assistance and reassurance in what can be a stressful situation.”
Sarah Thomson, Service Manager for Age UK, said: “The assistance we are able to continue to provide to isolated people who feel acutely vulnerable at the moment would not be possible without the funding received.
“We had to rethink how we would deliver the service during the lockdown period, as although doorstep visits were allowed, wardens were unable to go into the residents’ houses. This evidenced the need for everything we provide, and we are grateful for the support we have received in being able to deliver our services to people who are most isolated at this point in time.”
The Community Warden Scheme service also offers events for the elderly, including coffee mornings and social activities, so they can meet with others in the community.
Hopkins Charitable Fund is working with the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation through its coronavirus fund to support charities and community organisations in the county.
As part of its 2017 pledge, the Hopkins Charitable Fund aims to donate half a million pounds over the course of five years to charities and community groups across Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire.