DURING the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, Age Concern Crediton is continuing to offer services to older people in Crediton and the surrounding villages from its offices in Deep Lane, Crediton.

Although no longer able to collect clients by minibus or car to take into the Day Centre, the charity is continuing to offer support and advice by telephone or email to any who need it.

While the office itself has to remain closed to visitors, Age Concern Crediton staff are able to work behind closed doors from where they are making daily telephone calls to clients to try to ensure that they do not become lonely or isolated.

Help is also offered for shopping or collecting prescriptions, working to complement the many village support groups that have sprung up since the crisis began.

In addition to existing clients and other local people, the charity has been receiving telephone requests and emails from around the country as people seek help for their elderly relatives living locally whose normal support and shopping systems have broken down.

This was particularly the case when the supermarkets became overwhelmed with requests for deliveries and were no longer able to provide for existing customers.

There have been many offers of assistance from volunteers keen to help those less able to look after themselves, while Age Concern Crediton has also received some financial donations.

These have been especially welcome because, with the closure of the Day Centre, its charity shop and the cessation of its other services such as cleaning, the charity lost most of its main sources of income.

Like other organisations, Age Concern Crediton is hoping to take advantage of the various government financial support schemes, including the 80 per cent coronavirus wage subsidy, as the charity has had to lay off quite a few of its staff.

However, the charity remains on a sound footing, thanks to the efforts of supporters and trustees in the past, so it is well equipped to deal with the local manifestations of the national crisis.

Any enquiries to Age Concern Crediton on 01363 775008 or email: [email protected] .

Michael Coleman

Chairman

Age Concern Crediton