Cash for Ashington meals on wheels scheme

Posted by The Journal on Feb 5, 10 12:06 PM in Clubs/Societies

A service which delivers hot meals to frail elderly people in a Northumberland town has been given a major cash boost by one of the county's biggest employers.

Aluminium company Rio Tinto Alcan has donated ÃÂ£2,500 to the meals on wheels scheme in Ashington which provides around 15 local pensioners with a hot lunch each day.

The cash from the company, which operates a 600-job smelter at Lynemouth, has gone to the Ashington Joint Welfare Scheme, which manages the town's Hirst Welfare Centre.

The centre provides a range of community facilities including a cafe, IT suite, creche and exercise space.

It is also an important meeting place for locals to socialise with friends and make the most of a number of classes and activities including tea dances and an over-60s group.

Following a successful three-month trial in 2008, the centre has now expanded the meals on wheels programme to run throughout the year, six days a week. Gail Balance, director of Ashington Joint Welfare Scheme, said: "Around 15 people a week use the meals on wheels scheme, which provides a vital service for older people who have difficulty leaving their home because of bad weather or illness.

"By delivering freshly cooked meals to their door, we are taking some of the worry away for people who may have trouble cooking for themselves or getting out to the supermarket.

"We believe this scheme goes a long way to improving the lives of many older residents within Ashington and gives them a helping hand.

"Our thanks go to Rio Tinto Alcan for helping us to continue to provide this valuable service."

Alcan spokesman John McCabe said: "Over the last few months, the centre staff have built up a close relationship with their customers and seem to be making a huge difference in local residents' lives by providing a steady and supportive service.''

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk