Some of Merseyside's most vulnerable living in conditions “beyond a horror film”
We're hearing how the cost of living crisis means many elderly and disabled people can't afford essential repairs and heating
Last updated 7th Nov 2022
A Liverpool-born plumber's been telling us of his shock and anger at rising social care issues, after discovering an elderly lady on Merseyside living in squalor.
Not for profit company, Depher, (Disability and Elderly Plumbing and Heating Emergency Repair) provides vulnerable people with access to affordable and vital emergency works.
It relies on public donations to cover all labour and materials, and provides free services to some of Merseyside's most vulnerable residents during the winter months.
James Anderson, Director of Depher C.I.C says the current cost of living crisis means people need more help than ever.
James, who is originally from Liverpool but now lives in Burnley, is asking for Merseyside tradespeople to help renovate an elderly lady's home which is 'inhabitable'.
The 82-year-old from Huyton, is using one small electric heater for the entire house after her gas supply was cut off, leaving her without heating or hot water. The pensioner's also living off toast as it's all she can afford. She’s not the only one the team have supported.
Depher has delivered “life-saving” service to over 1 million people, and as well as repairs they have helped people with food and funeral costs.
James said: “The gentleman I went to see today who went unfortunately went into hospital with Covid, he survived it, the family got told he wouldn’t survive. But he then got sent home to a house where the boiler hasn’t worked for seven years, so they haven’t had heating or hot water for seven years.
He added: “It’s horrible, it’s horrendous some of the things we see, it’s beyond imagination, it’s beyond a horror film some of them.”
James says that in recent times he has seen people living in increasingly difficult conditions because they can’t afford to repair and maintain their homes with the rising cost of living.
He says on one occasion he even walked in on a woman who was trying to take her own life because "nobody cared about her".
James says the government and local councils need to do more when it comes to social care, be also believes if needed more people would help.
He said “If it means going back to the public and saying to the public ‘listen would you pay an extra 50p a week in tax to make sure that the social care justice system is perfect?’ I’m almost 99% sure that most of the people in this country would say ‘yeah.’”
Through a Go Fund Me page James has so far raised nearly £165,000 to support elderly, vulnerable and disabled people heat their homes.
Among those donating to the page is actor Hugh Grant and his wife Anna Eberstein who have given £55,000 towards the cause.
James is urging anyone who needs support to reach out.
He said: “Contact us if you need us. If you need food, gas, electricity or help towards plumbing and you cannot afford it, contact us.
"If you've seen an individual in your community, a neighbour a friend, and you know that person needs help, send their details over to us, we will protect their identity and make sure they get the help that they need.
“That is what we are here to do, we are there to support every single member of every community in the whole of this country.”