PRESS RELEASE
Main Contact: Karen Steele – Marketing and Partnerships Manager
Tel: 02920 683 604 / 07584 346 015
For immediate release: Thursday 4th March 2021
‘Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty’ sadly, this quote from Mother Teresa is still reality for so many isolated and vulnerable older people.
Local charity, Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale, wants to ensure that we all Make March Count by increasing the number of regular donations it receives... asking: ‘Can you help make a real difference to older people in our local communities this March?’
As Jeff Hawkins, CEO of Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale explains: ‘Too many people living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan do not have the support of family and friends and face the uncertainty that old age brings all alone. This is why we are appealing to you to show your support during March by getting in touch to give any amount you can each month to help us make a real difference’.
Just £2 per month will fund a volunteer befriender to visit an isolated older person in their home for chat and a cup of tea.
£3 per month funds 10 housebound older people to participate in the charity telephone befriending scheme.
£4 per month provides a volunteer to escort frail older people to attend activities or appointments that are important to them.
The charity’s services have had a great impact on so many older people, such as Lesley: ‘I’m not really sure where we would have been without Age Connects. The shopping service has been really invaluable and has made such a difference to both my father and me.’
For Sara, Age Connects was a ‘lifeline’ to her uncle Ronnie: ‘I honestly dread to think what the outcome would have been if Age Connects had not come to the rescue. Volunteer Jules has been a constant in my uncle’s life over this difficult time.’
Volunteer Andrea was described by Christine as more than just a ‘shopper: ‘She’s a link to the outside world for us, showing a genuine concern for our welfare. We are extremely grateful for this excellent service.’
Client Irene has formed a close bond with befriending volunteer Barbara: ‘When I was widowed and then lost both of my close friends, I was in a state of despair. The sheer loneliness of having no-one to talk to brought me to an all-time low. Having Barbara’s friendship, support and regular chatter has made such a huge difference’.
As Karen Steele, Marketing and Partnerships Manager at Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale stresses: ‘Given the rapidly ageing population, the demand for our help increases year on year. The smallest donation we receive to support our services makes an enormous difference and your regular generosity and kindness will help to safeguard the future of our much needed services and support.
You can help build a better future for older people by calling 02920 683 604 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by setting up a direct debit via the website at ageconnectscardiff.org.uk/donate
-----------------------------------------END--------------------------------------------------
Notes to the Editor:
Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale is the operating title of Age Concern Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale is an independent local charity that has been providing services for older people since 1974. A local and independently run charity which reaches out to older people in the region, many of whom live alone, are physically frail and live below the poverty line.
