Despite the challenging adverse weather, South Gloucestershire Council’s meals on wheels service has been busy delivering welcome hot meals to the district’s older residents.
The service has experienced an increase of over 20 per cent in requests for meal deliveries as the severe weather has meant that many elderly and vulnerable residents have found it difficult to get to the shops and day centres.
Determined to deliver the much-needed hot meals, the service has been using the council’s fleet of 4×4 vehicles to help make more than 1300 deliveries over the past three days.
Kay Knight, head of traded and support services, said: “The winter weather has thrown up a number of challenges. The difficult conditions underfoot has meant that even the 4×4 vehicles have struggled in the icy conditions and once the team arrives they have faced frozen locks, jammed gates and icy footpaths.
“I’m very proud of the determination and professionalism of the team. They have ensured that none of our clients have missed out and have been spending more time with the clients, reassuring them and listening to their concerns.”
Councillor Matthew Riddle, executive member for Community Care and Housing, has been out and about with the team helping them deliver the meals. Councillor Riddle said: “The meals on wheels service is a vital lifeline for many of our most vulnerable residents, more than ever during the current spell of severe winter weather.
“I have been hugely impressed by the dedication of the meals on wheels team. They’ve gone the extra mile to ensure that the meals are delivered in incredibly difficult conditions, something that I know is much appreciated by their clients.”
Photo shows Cllr Riddle with one of the meals on wheels teams. L-R are: Bob Wilmot, Clive Brown, Cllr Matthew Riddle and David Wildman.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
