Desperate plea from Age Concern Luton for funds

Director Colette McKeaveney said: “Demand for our services has never been higher – we’ve had 1,214 new clients since the start of the pandemic.

“But income from our shops has dried up and we are facing serious cuts to our funding.

“So we have launched a crowd funding appeal – our first – outlining the vital services we provide.

“You can view it here: https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/supporting-isolated-older-people-in-crisis?tk=3e28af18c1d2a97ee71bc710df142e47fc270872“Most of our clients are aged 85 and over and have no families nearby while many, sadly, have no families at all. It really is a desperate situation.”

She added: “Our wonderful staff and volunteers are working round the clock to ensure the town’s elderly have all they require but we urgently need donations.

“A gift of £35 would cover a week’s food and toiletries for an older person in crisis, while £11 would pay for a week’s incontinence products and £5 to deliver the same day.

“We’d be grateful for whatever people can spare - £1 covers the cost of a companionship call and we know how much a friendly voice on the telephone means to someone who has been self isolating for several weeks.”

> If you can help, please visit https://www.ageconcernluton.org.uk or send a cheque made out to Age Concern Luton, 39 King Street, Luton LU1 2DW