Age UK

During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 the Randal Charitable Foundation gave a significant grant to support the services of Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland. 

As an independent local charity, its mission is to work in the local community to improve later life for older people. The charity responds to local need and provides care, information, advice and a range of projects designed to help the over 50’s live happier, active, fulfilled and socially engaged lives. 

In April 2020 The Foundation stepped in to offer support, as much of the charity’s fundraising capabilities - such as its local charity shops - were severely affected by the Covid-19 lockdown. 

With the help of the grant funding Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland was able to continue to provide its crisis response for isolated and vulnerable older people; this included care packages of emergency essentials, prescription collections, shopping trips and telephone befriending calls while they self-isolated. 

The initiative was led through its Information & Advice service which launched a Coronavirus Helpline as a gateway to other services and support from the charity itself and from the wider community. Its telephone befriending service, which offers companionship and support to older people who are lonely or isolated, became a lifeline for hundreds of older people providing a link to the outside world.