Font Size 1 Font Size 2 Font Size 3
Heavy snow threatens to leave elderly and vulnerable stranded
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WEDNESDAY 6TH JANUARY 2010

BRITAIN’S most vulnerable are being put at serious risk of food shortages, freezing temperatures and isolation due to heavy snowfall, anti-poverty charity Elizabeth Finn Care is warning.

The elderly and those with physical disabilities who are housebound and living alone in the worst-affected areas are in danger of being cut off from the outside world, as meals on wheels and other food deliveries are halted by the snow.

In addition carers, social workers and nurses unable to carry out home visits will leave thousands of the most vulnerable without vital assistance and forced to fend for themselves.

Bryan Clover, director of casework at Elizabeth Finn Care, said: “As the snow thickens it is becoming a real nightmare for many. Those people we help who are housebound risk running out of food if local authority meals on wheels services cannot reach them, and they won’t be able to afford a supermarket delivery as they are living on the breadline.

“While many people will be enjoying a day off school or work sledging and making snowmen, society’s most vulnerable are stranded alone – cold, isolated and becoming increasingly anxious. They must not be forgotten.”
Pensioners are at an increased risk of cold-related illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia as they try to save cash on rising gas and electricity bills, and many are fearful of injury if they venture out on icy pavements.

Elizabeth Finn Care is urging those stranded at home to check up on elderly or disabled neighbours who may be stuck without help.

For further information, comments and interviews, please contact:
Will Davies, Press Officer. Telephone: 020 7396 6703. 1 Derry Street, London W8 5HY. will.davies@elizabethfinn.org.uk


Notes to Editors:
  • Elizabeth Finn Care helps professionals from over 120 occupations who are in financial difficulty.
  • Elizabeth Finn Care provides one-off and ongoing financial help, tailored to individual circumstances, as well as emotional support through our experienced caseworkers and national volunteer network.
  • People who seek help from Elizabeth Finn Care are coping with unexpected changes in their life and the resulting financial hardship, typically due to ill health, disability or marital breakdown.
  • Since mid 2008, we are increasingly helping people who are struggling financially after redundancy.
  • 75% of people who seek help from Elizabeth Finn Care have some level of mental health problems.
  • Since Elizabeth Finn Care was founded, we have given £130,000,000 to those in need.