ELDERLY residents in Knutsford and Wilmslow are being helped through the coronavirus lockdown by a new Covid-19 support line.

The initiative comes from Age UK Cheshire East, the older persons charity which is continuing to support many older people despite dwindling resources as a result of the pandemic.

To respond to the pandemic the charity has focused all its attention on supporting people who need support and who may be isolated in their homes.

As well as continuing its Help at Home service it has developed a Covid-19 support line, supporting vulnerable older people by contacting them on a regular basis to see they have everything they need.

The value of this service was highlighted this week when a man who lives alone was contacted for a welfare check.

The first chat identified he would welcome a regular welfare call. On making a further call, it became clear he was suffering from significant health issues, and after seeking permission from him an ambulance was called.

As a result he spent two days in Macclesfield Hospital, after which he was discharged with a full support package, including carers regularly visiting him in his home.

Age UK Cheshire East arranged with a local supplier for an urgent food delivery for when the man arrived home and arranged for subsequent food deliveries to ensure he had all the supplies he needed.

The charity continues to make regular wellbeing calls to the man.

Damon Taylor, chief executive of Age UK Cheshire East, who lives in Knutsford, said: “This is one example of the valuable work we are doing for older people across Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Congleton and Poynton and surrounding villages.

“Without the initial call from us the man’s wellbeing could have been severely compromised.

“If anyone needs to access our support, they can do so by calling us on 01625 612958.

“All of this work is being done against the backdrop of a significant reduction in our income now all our shops have had to close.

“To help us continue this valuable work we are calling on people to consider our emergency funding appeal, which can be accessed at ageukcheshireeast.charitycheckout.co.uk/donate#!/

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Hazel Salter, a member of staff at Age UK Cheshire East, making welfare calls