A two-pronged campaign to keep elderly people both warm and safe during the winter months has been launched by the Grimsby Telegraph.

Winter Warmer aims to encourage pensioners to help themselves and urge others to look after their elderly relatives, friends and neighbours.

As part of the drive, the paper will distribute 5,000 Winter Warmer carrier bags to elderly people in the area, filled with vital information, helpful gifts and offers.

Editor Michelle Lalor said: “We want this campaign to have a two-fold effect – to highlight the needs of pensioners and to help the elderly people to help themselves.”

“The Telegraph wants readers’ help to reach out and touch those who are not so fortunate – the widow who has been left with no relatives, little money and the prospect of a long, cold winter; the man in his eighties who finds it difficult to cook and clean for himself.

“Winter Warmer has been launched, in association with a whole host of organisations, to ensure those vulnerable elderly people are aware of the benefits and services that are available to assist them.

“At the same time, we want to encourage friends, neighbours and relatives to help elderly people around them during the winter months. A cheering hello or a knock on the door to ensure everything is OK costs nothing – but can mean so much, and even save a life.”

This week, the Grimsby Telegraph is running a series of articles aimed at helping the elderly.

Winter Warmer is being backed by major organisations including the police, health authorities, local councils, Age Concern, Help The Aged, Carelink and neighbourhood watch.

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