Ignoring elderly

I am writing to share my dismay over the devastating news of the cancellation of services from Food Train and Meals on Wheels which deliver food and, importantly, company to older people in dire need of both. The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) reports it has gone from 80 services to just 15 in the space of three years. Food Train had believed it was going to expand its service and garnered the support of thousands when it found out the future was uncertain.

At a time when tackling social isolation and managing the care of our ageing population has been high on the political agenda, the closure of these much-loved and vital services is a devastating, and ironic, blow.

While there is no suggestion that people will be left without alternatives, what Food Train and the RVS supplied went a lot further than simply a home delivery service. Support and companionship make up the cup of kindness that goes along with a nourishing meal.

Many of our guests benefit, or have benefited, from services such as these and welcoming a friendly face into their home has been a lifesaver.

We organise free monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties which offer a vital lifeline of friendship to older people who live alone. Our guests tell us how much the company means to them as many can spend days alone with no one to talk to and nowhere to go. It is terribly sad and the withdrawal of these community links will only serve to increase social isolation among some of our most vulnerable communities.

MORNA O’MAY Head of Service – Scotland Contact the Elderly The Acres, Kippen