Share your Warmth 2020
We are delighted to be working together with Sir Muir Gray and Age UK Oxfordshire to bring back Share your Warmth.
In these unprecedented times, it's more important than ever to help older people stay active and connected through physical activity. We are asking people who receive a winter fuel allowance but are able to spare it, to donate it to this year's Share your Warmth campaign.
Your £200 could:
- Support 20 housebound people to do specialist seated exercises at home with a home exercise pack
- Support 40 older people to attend a tailored group exercise class, keeping them active, mobile and socially connected.
- Enable 100 housebound older people in Oxfordshire to receive a friendly phone call
Donate here: https://justgiving.com/campaign/warmth
Why is physical activity so important?
A new report from Age UK on the impact of COVID-19 on older people's physical activity levels shows that:
- One in three have less energy
- One in four older people are unable to walk as far as before
- One in five feel less steady on their feet
You can read the full report below.
One of the saddest reports I have read in my career of 40 years. Makes me even more determined to do something for older people in our community- the people who have made us what we are today.
Staying physically active and connected is more important than ever during these challenging times. We're delighted to play our part in re-launching Share your Warmth to help older people across the county stay active and protect their physical and mental well-being. Your support really will change lives – thank you.
The impact of last year's campaign
We are delighted that the funds raised during the first Share your Warmth campaign made a real and immediate difference to older people in Oxfordshire. The funds that the campaign received meant that 5 specialist exercise films were created to help older people maintain strength and balance whilst at home.
On top of this, 1,000 home exercise packs were sent out to people without internet access and 3,290 phone calls were made to check on people's wellbeing and to motivate people to be as active as possible.
We want to raise even more funds this year, to enable older people to stay active and connected. Thank you for your support.
Cover image from Department of Health/Make Sport Fun