Our campaign to donate hundreds of blankets to South Tyneside residents by Bluebird Care
Published: 17/12/2014
Bluebird Care South Tyneside working with other local businesses and shops will donate 40 blankets and wall thermometers to elderly and vulnerable residents in the South Tyneside area as part of its on-going Winter Warmth campaign,
Bluebird Care South Tyneside working with other local businesses and shops will donate 40 blankets and wall thermometers to elderly and vulnerable residents in the South Tyneside area as part of its on-going Winter Warmth campaign, designed to save lives in the cold winter.
Local shops and businesses are asked if they would like to contribute to this campaign by donating funds to Bluebird Care’s Winter Warmth campaign. A £12 donation will provide one elderly and vulnerable person with
- A Blanket to provide warmth
- Important information on the risks of cold weather and how to keep themselves warm and healthy this winter
- A wall thermometer to keep a check on their household temperature and act accordingly.
The elderly and vulnerable are particularly affected by cold weather, and last winter in the UK the Office for National Statistics reported it was one of the coldest on record with 31,000 additional deaths where two thirds (25,600) were accounted for by over-75s.
In addition to the blanket drive, Bluebird Care has also been urging people in South Tyneside to prepare for the winter with some simple steps to stay warm and safe, and giving advice on looking after older relatives and neighbours in the cold weather.
Thinking WARMTH can help to save lives this winter:
W Wrap Up dress warmly and make sure you’re wearing sturdy shoes with good grip when you go outside to prevent falls.
A Stay Alert Keep an eye on the weather forecast and make sure you are stocked up with food and medicine in advance of a cold snap. If you have elderly neighbours, try and check up on them during cold weather.
R Risk Try and minimise the risk of falls or becoming ill by taking the weather into account when you plan activity when severe weather is forecast. Make sure you plan ahead for the cold weather by speaking with your GP about getting a flu jab, and talking to your neighbours about clearing snow in front of your home.
M Money Winter bills can be very expensive. Make sure that you’re receiving all of the benefits you’re eligible for. In addition to the Winter Fuel Payments, available to anyone born before July 1952, and if it gets very cold you could be entitled to additional Cold Weather Payments.
T Temperature Keep your bedroom heated to 18°C and your living room at 21°C. If you can only afford to keep one room heated, then keep the heating on in your living room during the day and turn it on in your bedroom just before you go to sleep.
H Hot meals Try to have at least one hot meal a day, and have hot drinks throughout the day to keep you warm. Eating regularly will help to keep up your energy levels in the cold weather.
Kelly Haswell, Director of Bluebird Care South Tyneside comments
Any business contributing to this campaign will have their business named in the local paper within the press release in February 2014. The aim of this press release is to inform the community of how many residents we helped and which business got involved to help their community. There will be a photo opportunity of us handing out blankets, that any business contributing can also be part of.
Please get in touch if you require more information or would like to contribute. A sponsorship form can be provided and certificates produced on receipt of funds.
Contact details – 0191 5194825 or email Kelly Haswell at southtyneside@bluebirdcare.co.uk
