Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington is delighted to announce the expansion of its Meals at Home service, a community-support initiative launched during the pandemic to combat isolation and ensure that older people receive hearty, nutritious meals.

Understanding the importance of a well-balanced diet and social interaction, the charity now provides a varied two-course menu costing £9.00 to residents throughout Darlington and surrounding villages. The initiative is particularly crucial, as it provides not just sustenance, but also a friendly face at the doorsteps of those who may otherwise be alone, especially during the upcoming festive season.

The two-course menu options include pork chops, mash, and veg and mince and dumplings and sticky toffee pudding and chocolate sponge and custard as well as Sunday lunches with all the trimmings.

A team of dedicated volunteers deliver the meals seven days a week between 12.30pm and 2.00pm to many of the most in need older people.

Volunteer driver Anita Wilson commented: “It's not just about delivering meals; it's about delivering a bit of cheer, especially during these tough times. Seeing the difference, a warm meal and a quick chat can make to someone's day is truly rewarding.”

Helen Hunter, CEO of Age UK North Yorkshire & Darlington, emphasises the impact of the Meals at Home service: “The service provides a lifeline to not only those older people living alone but also directly to more social settings such as day care centres. The volunteers provide a vital social connection to often lonely or isolated people too.

“As the festive season approaches, our aim is to ensure that no older person in our community feels entirely on their own. Our expanded service is more than just a meal delivery – it’s a lifeline of human connection and the comfort of a home-cooked meal. We want to make sure that the spirit of giving and compassion is a year-round commitment.”

The half dozen strong team of delivery volunteers deliver the wholesome meals to people in the community while the delicious and sustaining food is cooked up by three full time cooks backed up by volunteer kitchen assistants.

Meals can be ordered up to 11.00am on the day of delivery. To order, please call: 01325 741 492.

The charity is currently looking for volunteer drivers to help deliver the meals. If you can spare a few hours, even if just occasionally, please call 0300 30 20 100 to find out more.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Marie Carter-Robb on 07760 477694

NOTES TO EDITORS

Age UK Darlington and North Yorkshire is a nationally registered charity and one of 150 locally based Age UK organisations providing a variety of services to older people aged 50 plus.

Whether it’s through recreational activities, expert information and advice, befriending services or just being somewhere to turn when things get too tough to cope with on your own, Age UK Darlington and North Yorkshire provides crucial companionship, advice and support to thousands of people every year.

Community focused, Age UK is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older people in the community through befriending, outreach and social activities as well as providing an invaluable range of social and wellbeing services, including:

• A cafe and restaurant.
• A day centre
• Exercise & physical activity
• Meals at home
• IT Training courses
• Social activities.