Age UK Bromley & Greenwich is the leading voluntary sector provider of services for older people, working across both boroughs with a reputation for quality and innovation. Its mission is to promote the wellbeing of all older people living in the London Borough of Bromley and the Royal Borough of Greenwich, ensuring that later life is an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
Last year, Age UK Bromley & Greenwich assisted 27,309 older people, supporting their independence and improving their wellbeing and quality of life. The length and frequency of the service they received varied according to need and the type of service. For example the ‘home from hospital’ service provided safe discharge for 576 people and up to six weeks’ practical and emotional support; 22,009 people received independent, quality information and advice on a range of topics; 1,450 had regular footcare appointments; 60 people living with dementia received weekly support and care; 75 men participated weekly in the award-winning Men in Sheds project and older people were assisted through the welfare benefits service to increase their income, £853,123 through benefit entitlements.
As the UK’s population rapidly ages, the issue of acute loneliness and social isolation is one of the biggest challenges facing our society and Age UK Bromley & Greenwich’s work in the community.
Anyone at any age can be lonely but older people are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness owing to experiencing the loss of friends and family, reduced mobility or limited income.
Social isolation and loneliness have a detrimental effect on health
and wellbeing. Studies show that being lonely or isolated can
impact on blood pressure and other health problems, and is
closely linked to depression.
Nationally, it is estimated that among those aged over 65, between 5 and 16 per cent report loneliness and 12 per cent feel isolated. Nationally, the number of people aged more than 80 is expected to treble in the next 20 years, while those aged over 90 will double. Locally, across the two boroughs there are 85,050 people who are aged over 65, of which 13,750 are aged over 85, with this figure
set to increase in line with the national figures.
Age UK Bromley & Greenwich’s Befriending and Support service offers lonely and isolated older people vital companionship and emotional support. Through their Community Volunteers Time Bank, time bank volunteers provide people with companionship, emotional, practical and social support.
“Really, I was lonely but you don’t say so, not even to yourself, let alone anyone else.”
The proceeds of this concert will go towards Age UK Bromley & Greenwich’s Befriending and Support Service.
For further information contact:
Age UK Bromley & Greenwich, Community House, South Street,
Bromley BR1 1RH T: 020 8315 1850
Email: info@ageukbandg.org.uk
or visit www.agebromleyandgreenwich.org.uk.
Age UK Bromley & Greenwich is the trading name for Age Concern Bromley,
Registered Charity No.1060861.
London Concert Choir concerts:
