Elderly and chronically-ill hit hard by rising bills

Staff at Hackney Caribbean Elderly Organisation say many of their clients are living in cold homes and struggling to buy food.

They’re among the agencies which refer to Hackney Foodbank and, though some residents are reluctant to ask for help, those who do have found the emergency food parcels to be a real lifeline.

One resident, who visited HCEO this month has seen her electricity bills leap from £92 per month to £140 and her gas bills surge from £114 to £235 per month. Another came to the UK for a funeral after the sudden death of his son– but he fell on ice and suffered a life-changing injury and has been here ever since with little recourse to public funds.

Landa George, an advocacy outreach worker at HCEO, said: “Most of our members are finding life very difficult financially – we’ve seen an increase in people who are in debt because their bills have shot up. Many have chronic long-term illnesses.  They’re having to cut back and they’re doing that by turning the heating down or off or cutting back on food, having a sandwich instead of a hot lunch or eating smaller portions.

“I’ve always had a really positive experience of Hackney Foodbank – when I’ve been to pick up food parcels for our members, they always treat people with respect.

“Many of our residents can’t get to the food bank to collect but some are eligible for delivery and because the food bank offers such varied opening hours (including Saturday mornings) it makes it easier for carers to collect on their behalf.

“Some of our members are reluctant to seek support from the food bank – they’re embarrassed and feel there’s a stigma. But I tell them that many people are finding things hard at the moment; there are working people who need the food bank.

“One elderly gentleman supported by the food bank recently was so very grateful – he’s been living in a cold, basement with no income. As well as food, his food bank parcel included deodorant and shampoo and he was so thankful.”

Hackney Caribbean Elderly Organisation has 100 members aged 60 to 103 and meets in Stoke Newington four days a week – offering advice, a hot meal and a chance for members to socialise.

Their team is dedicated to improving quality of life for elderly people.