Hatch Benner Solicitors on Theatre Street has announced that they will be working with independent local charity, Age UK Norwich, for the next three years in a new long-term community investment agreement.
Age UK Norwich, who have been working in the local community to help older people for more than 70 years, are dedicated to making Norwich a great place for later life. Their support for over 55s includes offering free, independent information and advice, arranging activities and events to combat loneliness, and running the Marion Day Care Centre helping more older people get the care they need whilst continuing to live in their own home.
As a result of the restrictions of the coronavirus outbreak, Age UK Norwich have seen a huge increase in demand for their services as many over-70s are at high risk from COVID-19 and are still self-isolating. The charity is working hard to actively respond to the challenges the older people of Norwich are facing, and ensure the vital services they provide, such as befriending, information and advice, and physical and mental wellbeing, can continue. All in an online world which not everyone has the ability to access.
Hatch Brenner Solicitors is pleased to support Age UK Norwich in the provision of their telephone befriending service. The trained telephone befriending volunteers offer a friendly voice to an older person who is isolated at the moment, to help support them through this difficult time. Via regular weekly, pre-agreed phone calls, the volunteers can ensure the older person is coping well and has everything they need.
They are also supporting the charity to distribute over 1,000 DVD’s containing videos of gentle exercise, balance, relaxation and information about services. This is vital for those who are unable to access the internet and participate in virtual sessions currently offered by Age UK Norwich.
Jeremy Goss, Age UK Norwich Marketing and Communications Manager commented: “Following the huge impact of the coronavirus pandemic, we are now looking at how we offer many of our usual services in a different way. Our befriending telephone service sees the older person gain a supportive relationship with the Age UK Norwich volunteer, which can act as a real lifeline in terms of practical but also emotional support. We are in need of more befriending volunteers. If you feel you can spare the time, please do get in touch.”
Mr Goss continued, “It is such a support to us that Hatch Brenner has chosen to work in partnership with Age UK Norwich. The backing of local businesses is a huge boost allowing us to continue our work and build the charity’s profile so we can offer help to those who may not have heard about our services.”
Dawn Parkes, Hatch Brenner Managing Partner commented: We are pleased to be supporting such an important charity with this new partnership. Through our legal work with Private Clients including arranging Lasting Power of Attorney, Wills and Probate, we see first hand the challenges many of the older community face. In addition to the time and energy of our Norwich workforce, we are happy to offer our legal expertise via training sessions with the Age UK Advisors regarding private client, property, employment law and mediation.”
Find out more about the telephone befriending service and apply at: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/norwi…
Find out more about the Age UK Norwich Covid-19 Emergency Response Campaign and donate at:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/norwich/get-involved/age-uk-norwich-covid-19-emergency-response-campaign/