Over 200 older people in York helped by local charity
Older Citizens Advocacy York says they've assisted with issues including benefits, housing and employment over 2020 and 2021.
A York charity says it's helped over 200 older people over 2020 and 2021.
Older Citizens Advocacy York says they've been on hand for issues including benefits, health, housing and employment.
The charity says:
"In 2021-22, we supported 215 older people.
"The issues we helped them with include benefits, health / care, consumer issues, housing, finance, family and employment.
"We helped many people with benefits: 24% of our cases related to this area of work. The types of benefits we helped with are outlined in the following graph, the most common ones are Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit, Council Tax and Benefits checks".
OCAY York have also been on hand to support during extended periods of isolation caused by lockdowns throughout the pandemic.
Ruth Potter is the charity manager at OCAY York:
"We've had experience this year where a lot of our clients still haven't wanted to come for a face to face meeting - or wanted a home visit from a volunteer - because they want to be cautious or have underlying health conditions.
"People want to be with their family and friends, as that's when people can get time off work and see people. People will really want to do that, and we're keeping everything crossed that they'll be able to still do that (over Christmas).
"I think there is that caution in the back of people's minds and wondering if we'll go back into a lockdown".