Council ends Age UK funding for 65+ befriending, replaced by a broader service. Age UK expresses concerns for isolated seniors.
Instead, they want a broader service for all adults. People can sign up for six months online. It will include events and life skills training. Home visits will stop, which is a big change.
The council wants the service to match its goals. They aim to make the borough a good place to live. Age UK worries older people will be left out. Many lack internet access or can’t easily travel.
Volunteers visit older people weekly. The charity says users average 82 years old. Age UK says few users can access the internet and many struggle to communicate by phone, too.
The new service has a six-month limit. Age UK offers ongoing support which they feel prevents distress. Age UK says the council ignores homebound older people and a volunteer called the life skills focus “patronizing”. She says they need connection, not skills.
Another volunteer called the time limit “cruel.” She feels technology can’t replace human connection. A council member said they cannot offer Age UK the same contract and explained that it is not a like-for-like replacement. The council must follow government rules.
She said they value Age UK’s work, but they must ensure good value per legal requirements. The council claims they will work to support current users. The new contract starts in April.