Age Concern has released some important pointers on how you could be a better neighbour during the cold weather.
Mike Brooks of Age Concern Buckinghamshire said: "We can't rely on Social Services and Age Concern volunteers to get to every isolated older person in this weather. The community needs to help itself more and pull together.
"Keep an eye out for our older family, friends and neighbours during the cold weather to make sure that they are warm and well and have plenty of provisions.
"It would be welcomed if you could offer to collect shopping along with any regular medical prescriptions. If you are not able to visit in person, give older friends and neighbours a telephone call to check how they are, as you may be able to link them up with people and services who can help locally.
"The long cold spell of extreme temperatures may leave older people in difficulties as they struggle getting out to buy food and essentials, and others may have difficulties staying warm at home. They should try to eat one hot meal a day‚ drink plenty of hot drinks and stay active.
"At Age Concern, dedicated advisers provide free information and advice on a helpline which is available from 10am-12, Monday to Friday on 01296 431127. Helpline staff can provide contact details and signpost you to relevant organisations that may be able to assist but cannot provide direct help to callers. Age Concern Bucks offices are open 9am – 4pm Moday to Friday on 01296 431911.
"If people have any concerns with welfare, they should contact Bucks County Council on 0845 3708090."
Age Concern England publishes free fact sheets, including 'help with heating' and 'winter – all wrapped up' – available by calling Age Concern's Information Line on freephone 0800 00 99 66 or visiting the website at
www.ageconcern.org.uk Help the Aged produces a range of free advice leaflets and information sheets for older people. These are available from the Information and Resources Team by calling 0207 278 1114 or can be downloaded from the website at
www.helptheaged.org.uk