Campaign launched by Channel 5 weather presenter Sian Welby

The campaign is un by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability, in partnership with the council’s public health department, Age UK Wandsworth, Wandsworth police and fire services and backed by the Wimbledon Foundation. It aims to reach over 600 vulnerable older and disabled people

Hannah Gill from Wandsworth Council public health, Cllr Maddan, Sian Welby and William J Gallagher with service users
People will be offered advice and support, and volunteers are handing out warmer packs containing soup, blankets, scarves, gloves and duvets to vulnerable, older and disabled people in the community – some of whom will be spending Christmas alone.

Emergency services have also been lending their support and local firefighters and police have been delivering packs to get as many out to vulnerable people as possible before the chill bites.

The campaign will also involve the Bluebell Café, Hindu Society, Balham Community Centre, Lambeth Chinese Community Association and the Latchmere Leisure Centre.

Sian Welby launching the Winter Warmer campaign this week said, “As the freezing winter weather is set to hit the capital in the run up to Christmas it is vital that vulnerable, disabled and older people take action through the winter warmer campaign to ensure they are well prepared. Wrap up warm with the extra duvets and blankets in the free packs to keep well this winter.”

Leonard Cheshire Disability Randall Close Resource Centre service manager, William J Gallagher, one of the people leading the campaign, said: “Winter and the cold can be very dangerous for disabled, older and vulnerable people. We are working with Wandsworth Council to save lives.

“We want to reach out to not just the people who use our services but as many people in the community, as we can to let them know we are here to help and can offer free warming packs to those who need them. This campaign is not just charity; it aims to raise awareness of a wider national problem in our society. I urge everyone to look out for and care for those in their communities who may need help at this time of year.”

Wandsworth Council’s spokesman for health and adult social services Jim Maddan said:
"Around 100 people die each year in Wandsworth because they are cold and the council is determined to work with our partners to bring this number down. We are targeting areas where numbers are higher to make sure people have the information and support they need to stay healthy and warm.

“I would urge anyone with an elderly friend, relative or neighbour to keep an eye on them this winter so that together we can protect our vulnerable residents.”

If you have blankets, warm clothing or food you would like to donate to the Winter Warmer campaign please call William J Gallagher at Randall Close on (020) 7223 0422.

December 15, 2015