As the winter draws in and as temperatures are set to drop over the next month, Westminster Council is working hard ensure that the City’s older residents are looked after this Christmas.

Calling upon residents to keep an eye out for their friends and neighbours, the council has asked residents to call Westminster’s Emergency Response Team if they think someone needs assistance over the cold months ahead.

Taking some time out to spend with an older neighbour can make the Christmas period a much happier time for many pensioners. Volunteering opportunities can be found at local volunteer centers across the capital, which can range from helping out at a Christmas party to providing some simple companionship.

·        At a time of year when people, particularly pensioners, find difficult to cope financially, the council has urged them to find out whether they entitled to grants and subsidies for home heating and insulation. But also to ensure they are claiming whatever benefits they are eligible for.

·        The council has advised older residents to keep as warm as possible, suggesting that many layers of clothing is better than one and hats, gloves and scarves help to keep away the cold.  

·        To stay active and meet new friends, the council is holding its famous Tea Dance on Sunday 18 December. The free event is being held at the famous Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane and will provide an opportunity for 1,000 pensioners to enjoy an afternoon of tea and dancing.

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·        The Westminster Home Meals service offers a hot meal, served 7 days a week if necessary, to those who are unable or find it difficult to prepare one for themselves and have no one to help them. Residents can speak to their care management team to find out more about this service.

Cllr Daniel Astaire, Westminster’s cabinet member for adult services and health, said: “The winter months can be hard times for older people, particularly with declining temperatures and financial strain.

“Spending some time with a pensioner this December can be the ultimate Christmas gift for many older people.

“I urge neighbours and friends to have a look out for one another over Christmas period to ensure they are well cared for.

“Our priority is to ensure that we can identify problems early to enable older people to remain content and healthy in their homes for as long as possible.”