Care home signs up as a winter warrior

A North West care home is backing an initiative to help the old and lonely this winter across the region.

Birch Green Care Home in Skelmersdale is supporting the cause after figures revealed that last year more than 18,000 older people died over the winter period.

Through the Connect4Life 'Lancashire Winter Warriors/Friends Campaign', the adult, health and wellbeing department of Lancashire County Council is asking people to informally adopt last year's NHS England's winter friend pledge to help an elderly or vulnerable neighbour.

Connect4Life works in partnership with GP surgeries, district councils, voluntary sector providers, local communities and individuals across Central Lancashire.

The Winter Warriors campaign is highlighting five ways to provide practical help to older people including regularly visiting an older neighbour or friend, checking their home is warm enough and ensuring they get some exercise.

Birch Green's General Manager Carol Nickeas, said: “We wanted to do something practical for older people this winter in the community and we thought this was a worthwhile project which deserved our support.”

The Winter Warriors initiative is also offering competition prizes of £150 and £250 for individuals or groups who help older people or vulnerable neighbours in a number of ways such as clearing snow for a care home, visiting someone once a week to check they’re okay and helping someone to get around during the winter.