Hundreds of elderly residents living at sheltered accommodation in Reading got food and medical supplies delivered to their door, thanks to Council officers.
Peter Goddard and Eric Hillier, both sheltered housing officers at the Reading Council, couldn’t get to their usual place of work on Thursday (Jan 7th) due to the extreme weather conditions.
So instead, the pair decided to contact Council sheltered accommodation units around the borough to see if the elderly people who couldn’t get out, needed any food or medial prescriptions.
The Reading officers called and visited sheltered accommodation units in Tilehurst, Caversham, Whitley, Dee Park, Oxford Road, Woodley and Caversham, before setting off to ASDA with their shopping list of essentials.
Reading Borough Council’s parks team also offered its services. Grounds officer Nathan Ward joined the pair at ASDA and ferried the sheltered housing officers around in his 4×4 vehicle delivering food and supplies to more than 300 pensioners.
Deborah Edwards, Lead Councillor for Reading Housing, said: "Many people aren’t able to get to the shops or leave their home as it’s too cold. I’m delighted that so many people living at Council sheltered accommodation were able to get some food and medicine to see them through.
"Many council officers are out and about doing their best to help residents in these extreme and miserable weather conditions. I encourage residents to be good neighbours and check people in their street are OK."
Further information on keeping warm this winter, benefits advice and tips on advice to help beat the winter chills call (0118) 9756806.
If you are concerned about a vulnerable elderly relative or neighbour, call the Council’s response and assessment team on (0118) 955 3600.
Reading Borough Council
