A Message From AgeUK Camden
Dear Parishioners of Hampstead Parish Church,
A big thank you to you all for your support over this last year. We have really appreciated it. You have supported us practically (responding to our shout out for items when we’ve needed them, often at short notice), financially (we have needed to provide more services for people at a time when income has been challenging) and emotionally – your wonderful encouragement has really kept us going – thank you! We couldn’t have achieved all that we have without you! You have made such a difference to some very vulnerable people, many of whom have never had to ask a charity for help before.
I am so proud that Age UK Camden has been at the forefront of the local community sector response to the pandemic and has worked closely with local partners such as yourselves to provide effective and comprehensive support for the borough’s most vulnerable residents.
During the past year we have had to be flexible, helping with a wide range of practical and emotional concerns which have arisen because of the pandemic and the restrictions. As you know in lockdown 1 we had to respond with providing food for people who had no other means of receiving food. After a time the Council stepped in to support us with this as the numbers in need were so high across the borough. All of our services have continued throughout the pandemic and we have made use of the phone and the internet if we haven’t been able to meet with people face to face. And with the support of the Council and Public Health England our Hub at Henderson Court has continued to offer support and a safe space for some of the most vulnerable, such an important service.
Services that people are finding particularly beneficial at the moment include:
- Online and telephone support – advice, information, befriending and counselling.
- Streamed musical recitals. Listen here: Age UK Camden | Lunch time concerts
- Book group. Join our book group here: Age UK Camden | Book Club
- Community Connectors service – social prescribing to stay engaged with the local community and help with confidence for people to come outside for exercise when they have been isolating for so long.
If you know someone who would benefit from our services please do share our website with them or direct them to our Information and Advice phone line 020 7837 3777 10am-4pm Monday to Friday. There is always room for one more!
With best wishes,
Nikki (Morris)
CEO Age UK Camden.