Hundreds of Sheffield volunteers offer help the elderly in winter

They have offered to take emergency supplies, including food and medication, to those without friends and relatives nearby.

Over the last six years the council’s voluntary scheme has grown from just three people to 230 members of staff.

Councillor Mary Lea, Sheffield Council’s cabinet member for health, care and independent living, said: “We’ve got some great staff working at the council and many want to help in their own time, as well as at work.

“It can be difficult for people to get out during wintery weather. Older people in particular can struggle and can be very isolated. I’m really proud that so many of our staff have offered to help.”

Community support workers from the council telephone the older people on their books to check on their welfare and to ensure they have food when snow is forecast.

The council is also encouraging people to help their elderly neighbours this winter.

It is promoting its new ‘Snow your neighbour you care’ card which has been designed to help kind-hearted people offer help to older people this winter.

Designed to act as an ice-breaker and a way for people to introduce themselves, people can add their details to the card and post it through an older person’s door.

For more information and to download the card visit www.sheffield.gov.uk.

Cards can also be picked up from libraries, doctors’ surgeries and council buildings.