LifeCare launches Winter Warmer Appeal

This winter will be much harder for many local older people.  Cuts to winter fuel benefits alongside continued high prices will force more older people in Edinburgh to make difficult choices. We deliver vital services and activities which make an immediate difference to the lives of those that need it most – but we urgently need support to help meet increasing demand.  

We provide free ‘meals on wheels’ delivering hot, freshly-cooked two-course meals to the homes of local older people, free ‘help at home’ services helping with cleaning, shopping and prescription collections – even more important during the icy cold months, free wellbeing activities and hot drinks for the growing numbers of struggling unpaid carers and a growing programme of free community engagement activities for local people.  We also run our free Saturday Social warm space providing hot food, activities and companionship from our community hub every week.  

We need support to deliver our services through this period of high need. Our own costs are increasing with food, fuel and staff costs all rising significantly and we’ve been affected by the Local Authority budget cuts with further reductions expected next year.   

We are calling on local people and businesses to get involved and give a donation to help deliver support to those that need it most this winter. 

Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare said:

“Local older people right here in Edinburgh face a very difficult winter ahead.  With the 10% increase on energy costs, continued high food prices and a reduction in benefits, it will be devastating for many. Last year we delivered over 5,000 free meals to those living on a low income.  This year we anticipate needing to grow the service by a further 30% to help meet growing demand for this important service as more local older people struggle.  

 We urgently need the support from local people and local businesses, to enable LifeCare to deliver services such as this which make a real difference to those struggling most.    

Thanks to our services, older people keep well in their homes, they have a warm place to visit, hot nutritious food to eat, have company to look forward to and are able to get out and about to activities safely.  Over 75% of the people we support live alone, rising to over 85% of our Meals on Wheels clients.  And as many of our clients can’t leave their homes unaided, they would go for a very long time without any contact without our support.   

 The frustration is that we know we can deliver the care that people want and need, but we are facing increased costs too. We are asking local people and businesses to consider giving a one-off or regular gift through our Winter Warmer appeal.  Donations can be made on our website or alternatively people can come along to our community café on Cheyne Street to pledge their support.  Even choosing to have your coffee or lunch from our café will help us to deliver the care local older people need to ensure they continue to thrive at home.”  

 All money raised through Winter Warmer will go directly towards supporting older people in the city.  For more information about LifeCare’s services visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/ or call 0131 343 0940 to chat with the friendly team.