MP backs drive to tackle loneliness

Local MP, David Rutley, visited Age UK Cheshire East’s offices to learn more about the charity’s work with older people and its plans for the future.

The charity’s important work in tackling loneliness was the primary focus of the meeting. Damon Taylor, Chief Executive, discussed the charity’s emerging plans to develop projects that will help support more older people in the community.

David is an active supporter of Age UK Cheshire East and was honoured to open the charity’s new Men in Sheds facility in Macclesfield earlier in the year. This project is a positive example of how the charity is working to help improve the social and emotional wellbeing of older men.

David took the opportunity to look around the charity’s Furniture Showroom, which is located directly below the charity’s offices in Henderson Street in Macclesfield. David found out more about the wide range of goods sold, all of which have been donated, with profits going to subsidise services provided by the charity.

Age UK Cheshire East provides services and support to older people throughout the Cheshire East area and campaigns to achieve positive change. They believe poverty, isolation and loneliness, poor services, inadequate care and support, discrimination and a lack of respect are unacceptable. More information about the services provided by the charity can be found here: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/cheshireeast/

Speaking after the visit, David said: “It is clear that more needs to be done to tackle loneliness, particularly with older people who may not get the chance to get out and meet others on a regular basis. It was great to hear more about what Age UK Cheshire East has planned in this area, and I look forward to working with them in taking these plans forward.

“It was also good to have the opportunity to visit the showroom and see how the charity is using this initiative to generate funds which will in turn be used to provide services for older people in Macclesfield. I have been surprised at the wide variety and quality of the goods on offer, and would urge more local residents to come along and have a look, knowing that anything they purchase will go towards supporting older people, and helping tackle loneliness in our community.”