More support for Wandsworth’s older residents

Support for older people was put in the spotlight as the borough’s leader joined community members for the Wandsworth Older People’s Forum conference. With a focus on the cost of living, the conference was a chance for older people to learn more about the help available this winter.

The Council is offering a wide programme of support, including community spaces, Warm Packs, which has saved more than 1,900 residents up to £200; and a Pension Credit campaign which has already put £1m in the pockets of more than 200 residents. 

Among residents, Tooting-based Esther Persaud said she was “delighted this forum opens up the room for people to raise these issues”.

“The cost of living crisis is hard for older people, and it’s worse for those who are isolated so the support helps,” said the 67-year-old. 

“It uplifts you having chance to talk to other people, find out about services and be part of this wonderful network.”

Wandsworth Older People’s Forum chair Syeda Islam MBE explained the conference was designed to address the “critical challenges that our elderly residents face, especially in light of the rising cost of living”.

She added, “we are fortunate to have a range of organisations and members whose efforts and contributions have been vital in making this event possible.”

With a lively discussion from local older people attending the event, issues raised included help with paying bills, rising prices, community food programmes and transport.

Wandsworth Council’s Leader Simon Hogg joined the conference to discuss the help available for the borough’s older people and urge local communities to ensure they access support. 

“As a council, we are doing everything we can to help residents in Wandsworth during this challenging financial time, and we are not prepared to let anyone fall through the cracks this winter and beyond.” 

“We understand that older people are one of the hardest hit groups, that’s why our £15 million Cost of Living support fund, the biggest and most generous in London, is being used to support you. We’re rolling out our Winter Support Payments targeted at low-income pensioners who we know need this extra support.

“We’re a borough that’s incredibly fortunate with the resources, financial and social, that we have at our disposal, and we want to use them to make sure Wandsworth is the best place in London to live, from the start of your life, up to being the best place to grow old.”

Simon Hogg was joined at the event on 12 November by council representatives from across its cost of living, adult social care and public health teams.

They had an opportunity to discuss the Council’s London-leading Adult Social Care Services, which earlier this year received glowing feedback from the Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework. 

Residents of any age are able to access Cost of Living support from Wandsworth Council by accessing our online hub. You can also access other available support by following the links below. 

•    How to claim Council Tax Reduction
•    How to claim Pension Credit
•    How to claim Attendance Allowance