From January 2025, Age UK County Durham has expanded its ‘Hot Meals’ campaign to deliver more healthy, warming meals each week, helping those across the county who find themselves having to choose between ‘heating and eating’. Age UK County Durham secured £70,000 funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund and is now working with ten partner organisations across County Durham to deliver hot meals.
The campaign builds on the success of a similar project run with four partner organisations last winter. Hilary Jamieson, Programme Manager for Age UK County Durham, commented: “We hear almost daily about how older people in our communities are struggling this winter, choosing between turning the heating on or making a hot meal. We’re thrilled to be able to work together with the county’s charity and community operators to make a real difference. Our community partners have the invaluable local knowledge, so can ensure that these meals are reaching the people who really need them.”
The campaign was launched initially, before Christmas, in Newton Aycliffe, Pelton, Teesdale, Shildon and Shotton. Since the beginning of January, it has expanded to include Easington, Blackhall, Quebec, Weardale and Hordon. The ten community partners identify beneficiaries, and then prepare the meals, before either distributing the meals to homes or serving in community premises, meaning the campaign is having the added benefit of helping to reduce social isolation. The beneficiaries, who are not means tested, receive a two course hot meal, free of charge, with Age UK County Durham funding the community partners to provide the meals.
In Newton Aycliffe, Junction 7 is now delivering over 150 hot meals each week around the community. Simon Day, trustee of Junction 7, who works with his wife and fellow trustee, Jane Day, and their team of volunteers, recognises the difference the meals are making. He commented: “We see the impact of the hot meals in so many different ways. There are some people who are not well enough to cook any longer for whom this is the best meal of the week. We also deliver to a supported living facility where the residents eat together so there’s a clear social benefit too. In fact, with each meal delivered, our volunteers take time and stop for a chat with the recipient. Age UK County Durham is providing a life-line to many with this funding. Whilst our older generation here in Newton Aycliffe is benefitting from the healthy meals, we are also benefitting as more and more people hear of what Junction 7 does, and have come forward to volunteer and help us out.”
Age UK County Durham is the ‘go to’ organisation for anyone aged 50 or over living in County Durham. It is a stand-alone registered charitable organisation, and a brand partner of Age UK.