Coronavirus: Age NI helpline gives details of local home food delivery retailers for isolating pensioners

Age NI has confirmed it can put pensioners across the Province who wish to self-isolate in touch with local retailers who can make home food deliveries.
By Philip Bradfield
Published 14th Apr 2020, 17:36 BST
Updated 14th Apr 2020, 17:51 BST
Pensioners are looking forward to enjoying their freedom again, but in the meantime many are struggling to secure home food deliveries during lockdown. Photo: PAPensioners are looking forward to enjoying their freedom again, but in the meantime many are struggling to secure home food deliveries during lockdown. Photo: PA
Pensioners are looking forward to enjoying their freedom again, but in the meantime many are struggling to secure home food deliveries during lockdown. Photo: PA

The charity says any pensioner across Northern Ireland can call its freephone number 0808 808 7575 and they will be given phone numbers for retailers in their area who are making home deliveries.

The information came to light after an elderly man in south Belfast contacted the News Letter to complain that he was unable to get any home delivery slots from the large supermarkets.

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George, who declined to have his real name published, said he was 63, had suffered a series of strokes and was just getting over three months of pneumonia.

“I would really prefer not to leave my home right now as I have basically no immune system,” he said. “But I have just had no alternative if I want to eat.”

The News Letter approached the Department of Communities about his case, and a spokeswoman said she would arrange to have an emergency parcel delivered to him.

This paper also asked Age NI if George’s case was a common predicament.

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Chief Executive Linda Robinson said: “Home delivery of groceries for people who are self-isolating has been an ongoing problem common across NI. We have had calls from Belfast, Ballycastle, Castlederg and Tandragee to name but a few. Initially the problem was with lack of capacity of the big supermarkets to meet increasing demand. Thankfully, now over 200 local convenience stores such as Mace EuroSpar and Vivo have stepped up their services meaning local deliveries are now available, with many community groups and other volunteers helping out.”

She said pensioners who call the Age NI Freephone number 0808 808 7575 would be given contact numbers for shops in their area which deliver food.

The CEO added that the charity has also expanded its activities to offer a Check-in and Chat service. Anyone who is concerned about a friend or family member who might like some support, direction of just a reassuring voice, can ring 0808 808 7575 or email [email protected] to avail of the service.

Age NI also noted the Department of Communities helpline for its Covid-19 home delivery programme of food and medicine for vulnerable people is Freephone 0808 802 0020. Alternatively it can be contacted by texting ACTION to 81025 or email: [email protected]

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Related topics:ProvinceNorthern IrelandBelfast