Barrow charity raises funds to fight poverty among elderly

Age UK Barrow and District is aiming to raise £23,000 towards giving financial empowerment to the elderly who are living in poverty

A charity that serves to improve the quality of life for older people in Barrow is raising money to continue its vital services.

Age UK Barrow and District is aiming to raise £23,000 towards giving financial empowerment to the elderly who are living in poverty in Barrow.

During the coronavirus pandemic the charity supported older residents by providing a hot meal service, and they realised that many were living alone and isolated, and some without access to the internet and fearful to go out, meaning they were unable to access support.

As a result, the charity wants to expand services to reach the most vulnerable members of the community.

If people have greater financial security they are able to live better lives, afford to heat the house in winter without worry, buy better food, able to be financially independent and resilient, the online fundraiser reads.

Vickie Martin, operations manager at Age UK Barrow and District said: Many people are unaware of their benefit entitlements and don’t know where to start when trying to complete forms and applications which is where our advisors can help. They complete lengthy forms with clients to ensure the best possible outcome.

In 2018-19 our advisors processed successful applications which resulted in just under £1000,000 in unclaimed and backdated benefits being awarded to people aged 65 and over, residing in Barrow, Dalton and Askam, Martin said.

She said: Age UK Barrow & District don’t receive any local authority or government funding to support our Information & Advice Service, which is why it’s so important for us to try to raise funds any way we can so we can help even more people to claim and access benefits they may be entitled to.