A clergywoman who started the first ‘warm bank’ in Northern Ireland has urged older people struggling to heat their homes during the ongoing cold snap to swallow their pride and seek help if they need it.
It comes as the head of a charity for the elderly warned that plummeting temperatures could have serious consequences for pensioners.
Rev Mairisine Stanfield and her husband Rev David Stanfield began opening up First Presbyterian Church Bangor in 2022 to mitigate the impact of soaring energy costs during the cost-of-living crisis — the hub on Main Street is open three days a week.
“We’ve made space available and will probably do something for the week of this cold spell,” Mairisine told the Belfast Telegraph.
“We always make sure soup and wheaten bread is available and there is always tea, coffee and biscuits.
Rev Mairisine Stanfield
“If anyone comes in who has an obvious need we will help them how we can and put them in touch with the relevant agencies.”
The church minister is prepared for a surge in the number of people availing of the free heat and hot drinks, but said it’s hard to know if there will be one.
“Older people are very proud,” Mairisine said.
“My message to all of them would be ‘please don’t allow pride to get in the way if anyone can help you’.”
The church is open from 10am to 4pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays to help those who are feeling the chill and it is also open to everyone on Wednesdays for scones, tea and coffee.
“We have been doing the warm welcome space for a few years now and it used to be five days a week,” Mairisine explained.
“It’s only three days a week this year and that’s due to volunteer numbers.
“One of the things we have found is that people actually come because of loneliness — that has been a revelation for us — and they have found a community.
“A number of older people have been coming regularly, but also a large group of university students.
“But I wouldn’t be surprised if the problem is much bigger than we are seeing, I think it could be greater than we realise.”
Last week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned the icy blast could put the elderly at risk of death as it issued cold weather health alerts in England with those aged 65 and over, or those with health conditions, most at risk.
Age UK said the UK Government’s decision to limit the winter fuel allowance to only the poorest pensioners will be put “into sharp relief” by the cold spell.
The chief executive of the charity’s NI branch has urged older people “to do all they can to keep warm” and take care of themselves.
Linda Robinson said it is understandable that people may think they should cut back on heating or food, but warned that prolonged exposure to cold temperatures could have a serious impact on older people’s health.
“Having plenty of hot food and drinks throughout the day can help keep the health risks at bay, as can taking simple precautions such as wrapping up warm when going outside and sleeping with the windows closed at night,” she added.
“[But] we all have a part to play in looking out for our older relatives, friends and neighbours.
“Offering to bring some shopping or picking up medicines from the pharmacy can be a great help. And the simple act of a phone call or a visit can make a real difference.”
Stormont’s Health Minister and Communities Minister have both urged the public to avail of advice and services that can help them “keep warm and keep well” in a joint statement.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt
Mike Nesbitt said seeking early treatment for minor illnesses and keeping in contact with others are important ways of protecting physical and mental health and reminded the public that local pharmacies can provide advice and even write prescriptions for minor ailments such as coughs and colds.
“Lots of other practical advice and support is available online and through statutory agencies, health professionals and the voluntary and community sectors,” he added.
“I would urge you to make use of these resources and reach out for the support available if you need it.
“I also want to pay special tribute to everyone across the voluntary and community sectors who are supporting people to stay warm and well with practical help.”
Meanwhile, Gordon Lyons said that, in addition to the £17m secured from the Executive to mitigate changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, other services are available to help households in need of additional support as he urged everyone to check possible entitlements.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (Liam McBurney/PA)
He pointed out that his department’s free and confidential ‘Make the Call Wraparound Service’ secured over £62m in additional benefits last year “for people who ‘made the call’ with customers almost £100 a week better off on average”.
Further information can be found on the NI Direct website’s Staying Warm in Winter section.