“If you don’t have a support network it’s a lifesaver really.”
“If you don’t have a support network it’s a lifesaver really.”
Last year, Bromborough resident Helen Hicklin was struggling with electricity bills and heating her house. Thankfully she was approached by Age UK Wirral, who offered to support her with grant funding from Wirral’s Household Support Fund (HSF).
Helen said:
I’m 78, I’m a widow and I don’t have any family nearby. I’m a breast cancer survivor and even years later, due to the treatment, I really feel the cold. Because I no longer get the heating allowance, I was struggling to make ends meet.
Age UK Wirral got in touch with me. They gave me some money towards my bills and lots of practical advice and items – such as draught excluders, a lovely warm throw, and an air fryer!
Once again, Age UK Wirral were this year allocated £100,000 to provide ‘older lives support’. They focus their funding on helping older people with nutrition and hydration during the colder months, maintaining and increasing independence, financial support and more.
The funding is part of a more than £5 million pot of ring-fenced grants which will be used to provide crisis and preventative support to vulnerable residents across the borough in the most need with the cost of essentials, food, utilities and other wider essentials.
Speaking of the essentials Helen was provided, she said:
The throw keeps me warm when I’m staying in and the air fryer has been a revelation. Cooking at home for one, it can be a waste of energy to use the oven, the team showed me how energy efficient the air fryer can be. I can cook almost anything and I’ve seen a difference in my bills.
Since receiving the support, Helen says not only has her physical health improved but her mental health has too.
Helen said:
Of course, I still worry about bills, who doesn’t? But now I feel that there’s somewhere I can go if I needed help and to explore things.
The team were very good to me. Even when they couldn’t help me with something, I could have a cuppa and a chat – especially if you don’t have a support network it’s a lifesaver really.
Helen says she would recommend anyone over 65 who needs support to get in touch, even if they feel a bit unsure about doing so.
Helen said:
I have worked hard all my life, paid my taxes, my husband and I have owned businesses and employed people. I am proud, I’m not used to asking for help. I must admit if Age UK hadn’t contacted me there was no way I would’ve thought to have gone to them.
But now I would say to people, anyone struggling, to just put your feelers out there. There’s no shame in receiving help and if it helps to keep you well especially in the winter, that can only be a good thing. I’ve already linked up two of my neighbours to hopefully receive some support.
Cllr Julie McManus, Deputy Leader of Wirral Council, visited Age UK Wirral recently, meeting with staff and discussing how they use Household Support Fund monies to support residents. Cllr McManus said:
With the help of local organisations like Age UK Wirral and countless others, Wirral is targeting its HSF funding to the people and communities who need it most – and where it will have the most impact and value.
Like Helen, I would encourage anyone who is struggling to see what help is available to them.”
To access support via Age UK Wirral visit: Age UK Wirral | Welcome to Age UK Wirral.
To see what other support is available visit: Cost of living | Wirral InfoBank.
