Town councils in Dorset have supported a charity in its work to help older people during the coronavirus with a financial boost.

Both Blandford Forum and Dorchester Town Councils have donated £1,000 each to Age UK North, South and West Dorset (NSWD), boosting the charity’s ability to continue to offer help with shopping, medications and being able to offer someone to talk to while older people are in isolation.

Dave Thorp, Ceo of Age UK NSWD, said: “Over the past couple of weeks we have seen a huge increase in calls for help to our dedicated telephone line. Due to the increased demand we are drawing on team members from every part of our organisation to respond to calls for help.

“Currently, on average, we are receiving around 300 phone calls and 100 emails a day from very worried people, in particular those who are alone with no network of friends and family nearby to help them.”

The charity launched a public fundraising appeal to boost its income at a time when its normal streams of revenue have been cut due to the temporary suspension of everyday services.

Mr Thorp added: “At a time of hardship and challenge for all charities, our Trustees have taken the decision to not only continue working but to increase our efforts. This decision has been taken when almost all our funding streams have dried up. We believe we must be there when people are in need.

The Trustees and I would like to thank both Dorchester and Blandford Forum Town Councils for their donations. This money will go back into their communities to assist us to reach and support more of the people who are suffering in isolation at this worrying time.

“We are a charity that receives no Government funding for the important life-line that we provide to thousands of older people here in Dorset.”

The charity is now fully focused on working in partnership with Dorset County Council and other organisations to provide a community response to COVID-19 across the area.

Age UK NSWD is operating a call handling, assessment and deployment service to answer calls from people who are self-isolating and need help. Those calls for help will then be matched with the right agency or voluntary group to respond.

Mr Thorp added: “If you are, or you know a person who has no support nearby and who needs help, please call us and talk to one of our great staff or volunteers.

“Whilst this crisis continues, we are open for calls from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week on 01305 269444. We can also be contacted via email on enquiries@ageuknswd.org.uk.”

Donations should be sent to:Age UK North, South & West Dorset, Rowan Cottage, 4 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1PW