Bluebird Care backs Age UK’s ‘Switched Off’ campaign to save free TV for Older People
Published: 23/07/2020
Bluebird Care Highgate & Haringey is supporting Age UK’s ‘Switched Off’ campaign, which aims to save the over 75’s from having to pay a TV licence.
Bluebird Care Highgate & Haringey is supporting Age UK’s ‘Switched Off’ campaign, which aims to save the over 75’s from having to pay a TV licence.
In 2019 the BBC announced they’d be ending the subsidy which has spared the over 75’s from paying a TV license for many years. Since then over 634,000 people have signed the Age UK petition calling for the subsidy to be kept.
George Morris, Director of Bluebird Care Highgate & Haringey, said:
“We need to support the Age UK campaign to save free TV for older people. TV helps beat loneliness, provides comfort, entertainment and uplifts spirits.
A lot of older people don’t have access to the internet, so TV news is their source of information which allows them to stay connected with the world.”
Research conducted by Age UK shows that almost a third of over 75s in the UK will struggle to pay the TV license, which comes into force on 1st August, as they are living in poverty or just above the poverty threshold. More than 2 million people over 75 will have to cut back on essentials like heating and food to afford the TV license.
Also, 1.3 million older people across the UK live in loneliness and isolation and half of the over 75s have some kind of disability. To the elderly and vulnerable, watching TV helps to provide companionship and enjoyment.
George added: “Removing the TV License subsidy is such a blow to older people, who have endured so much especially over the last few months due to the pandemic. Many people will struggle to afford a TV license. It’s a real problem that people will have to choose between heating their homes and eating well or watching TV.
We are encouraging everyone to show their support for Age UK’s ‘Switched Off’ campaign by writing to their MP and petitioning for the TV license subsidy for older people to be kept.”
Visit the Age UK website to find out more about the campaign – https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/campaigning/save-free-tv-for-older-people/
If you are worried about losing your TV license, you can contact the Age UK Advice line, free of charge on 0800 169 6565 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk.
Bluebird Care is a leading, award-winning provider of home and live-in care, specialising in working with customers who live with dementia, physical disabilities and many other acute and chronic conditions. Bluebird Care works alongside their customers’ families, social services and the NHS to ensure each person receives the care they need.
Bluebird Care offers a unique service of tailored care visits which range from anything from 30 minutes to full live-in support. As well as personal care they also help with meal preparation, welfare checks, shopping, social trips, visits to the hospital and provide extra support for post-discharge customers.
For more details contact Bluebird Care by calling 020 8801 3330, emailing haringey@bluebirdcare.co.uk, or by visiting their website https://www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/highgate-haringey/contact-us
