Volunteering Opportunities with Age Well East - Thurrock

About

There are an estimated 320,300 people aged 65 and above living in Essex, a number which is increasing year on year. The Tendring District alone has the highest percentage of residents aged 65 and above, which makes up almost 30% of the community. This suggests a third of all residents within this area may need one or several of our services now or in the future. The rising cost of living An estimated fifth of people aged 75 and over are living below the poverty line and many are not aware of the benefits available to them, or how to access them.  This can result in unnecessary hardship and have a detrimental effect on physical and emotional wellbeing, especially if living with an existing health condition or disability. This situation is rapidly increasing, literally becoming a matter of life and death, as last year almost 9,000 people in England and Wales died because their homes were too cold. Loneliness and social isolation With more and more people living alone in later years, having recently endured prolonged bouts of isolation as a result of the pandemic, loneliness has become an acute issue that directly impacts upon mental and physical wellbeing, increasing potential for decline and threatening independence. As many as 80,000 older people in Essex are experiencing extreme loneliness.