Older people charity ready to offer a helping hand to NHS.

The increase in cases of Coronavirus (COVID -19) doesn’t stop local charity, Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) from continuing to support over 300 older, vulnerable people a month, through their free services.

SCCCC’s Hospital to Home Scheme, where a team of staff support older people whilst in hospital, on discharge and at home will continue to collect older people from hospital, provide emergency food shopping, deliver mobility aids, feed pets and move furniture to make way for a hospital bed if needed.

Mark Storey, CEO of SCCCC say’s “Over the coming weeks as COVID 19 cases increase we are forecast to see a significant increase in referrals on the Hospital to Home Scheme, as hospitals try to free up beds to cope with the influx of Coronavirus patients. We have been supporting the NHS and health professionals in Sheffield since 1977, we know that this support is vital in these difficult times.’’

The charity is no stranger to stepping up to the challenge with 54 years’ experience in supporting the vulnerable and elderly.  SCCCC are ramping up their support by mobilising volunteers to assist where needed. These jobs may include; making telephone calls to lonely or isolated older people, doing some shopping or collecting prescriptions.

Sarah Wigston, Hospital to Home Team Leader say’s ”Working with the most vulnerable people means we have to be extremely careful and our staff and volunteers have been informed of what to do if they show symptoms of the virus. We are also aware that the needs of older people do not stop because of COVID 19 and are doing everything we can to support them during this crisis.”

SCCCC will continue to provide support to Sheffield’s older and vulnerable communities and the local health services for as long as possible.