Sheffield residents urged to send cards to show they care

The cards can be picked up from libraries, doctors’ surgeries, council buildings or downloaded from Sheffield Council’s website.

Designed to act as an ice-breaker, the cards are a way for neighbours to introduce themselves and put their details on saying who they are, where they live, how they can be contacted and that they are available for jobs including clearing snow and shopping, or just to have a chat.

Councillor Mary Lea, Sheffield Council’s cabinet member for health, care and independent living, said: “People have told us that they would like to do more to help elderly people during the winter. But some are reluctant to knock on someone’s door if they don’t know them – I think they’re frightened that they’d offend them or that the person might not want their help.

“That’s why we designed this card. It’s meant to act as an ice-breaker so someone can use it to introduce themselves and offer help – and in a way that doesn’t place any obligation on the older person. It’s up to them if they take the offer up or not.

“We’ve got real community spirit here in Sheffield and want to help people re-establish the kind of help that was taken for granted 50 years ago, when everyone knew who their neighbours were and helping each other was the norm. We want people to tell us how they get on, and hope the card makes it easier for people to offer help.”

Steve Chu, Chief Executive Officer at Age UK Sheffield, said: “Some people need a little extra help during bad weather so it’s great that the council is encouraging residents to do what they can for their neighbours.”