Muslim fund supporting work of charity for elderly

THE work of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland has been boosted by a grant from a Muslim charity fund.

The grant, from the British Muslim Covid-19 Fund run jointly by Rahma Mercy, Drop of Compassion and Peace and Relief International, will be used to support services for the elderly across the two counties.

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland executive director Tony Donovan said: “We mobilised very quickly to provide immediate, practical support for older people.

“But we are increasingly seeing there will be a significant, long-term impact as isolation takes a toll on their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

“With our vital shop and fundraising income severely reduced, we are dependent on other funding to deliver our crisis response. The award from the British Muslim Covid-19 Fund will help us continue responding to the incredible levels of calls being received and we are deeply grateful for its support.”

The charity’s crisis response includes a daily coronavirus helpline which has taken more than 1,000 calls from people needing immediate support.

A spokesman said: “We have delivered more than 500 emergency care packages of toiletries and fresh, frozen and long-life food as an immediate response for those finding their cupboards and fridges bare.

“Our staff and volunteers are following up with supermarket shopping trips for specific items required, especially pertinent for those with specific dietary needs.

“Our befriending service has been extended with more than 3,000 calls being made to older people to help them remain calm, connected, informed and supported.

“Where needed, older people have been referred to trained staff who can take a counselling approach to help them understand, accept and adapt to the situation they find themselves in.”