Reading contextual info. Case study. What if we didn’t do something. Example of lady done up at Oak tree.

What is it? Why does it exist? What do we do? How can people help?

Age UK – What is it?

Age UK nationally is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. Age UK provides a wide range of services and its information and advice reaches 5 million people each year. The Age UK network comprises around 170 local Age UKs reaching most of England. Our family also includes Age Cymru, Age NI and Age Scotland.

About Age UK Reading Our - Services Small Local Charity Part of a national partnership. Our - Services Befriending Lively Living! Social clubs for those who need help to attend. Foot care – Happy Feet Information and Advice - Local Knowledge and nationally produced guides.

Loneliness and social isolation are widely recognised as among the most significant and entrenched issues facing our ageing society.

Levels of loneliness in the UK have remained relatively consistent over recent decades – with around 10% of those over 65 experiencing chronic loneliness at any given time. The effect of loneliness and isolation can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and is more damaging than obesity. Lonely individuals are at higher risk of the onset of disability. Loneliness puts individuals at greater risk of cognitive decline, and one study concluded that lonely people have a 64% increased chance of developing clinical dementia. 23% of people aged 75+ who live alone do not see or speak with someone every day.

How Age UK helps older people to feel less lonely https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qff-u5YQF6c&t=69s

Reaching lonely individuals Understanding the nature of an individual’s loneliness and developing a personalised response Supporting lonely individuals to access appropriate services

Befriending service We offer face to face and telephone befriending. Largest service in Reading. We befriend over 130 individuals.

Social clubs – For those who need help to attend Provision of a social club service with wrap around care. Activities, socialising, and lunch or cake and tea. We will help to arrange Readibus We will meet the Readibus at the venue and help the clients from the bus to the table. Help them to participate in the club. Cut up their food. Can help them stand up/sit, help them to the bathroom. 2 course hot meal provided. Costs £15 + bingo money.

Happy Feet Toenail cutting service Cutters are trained by NHS podiatry Service includes nail cutting, filing of hard skin, application of appropriate cream, massage of the feet to improve circulation. Lasts about 30 minutes. Delivered from community locations across Reading and the suburbs. Costs £15

Information and Advice Experienced local staff National guides. Expertly produced, regularly refreshed. Part of Reading Advice Network. Access to experts at Age UK National

How you can help?

We want to reach as many older people as we can. Please help us help them by making referrals. 0118 950 2480 info@ageukreading.org.uk

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